REFRESHED Part 4: How to Release Unforgiveness

Isaiah 40:31

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Luke 23:34

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

1. Overlook the Offense

Proverbs 12:16 (GNT)

16 When a fool is annoyed, he quickly lets it be known. Smart people will ignore an insult.

Proverbs 19:11 

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

2. Pray for Them

Psalm 3:7…

break the teeth of the wicked.

Matthew 5:43-44

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

3. Understand them 

Mathews 5:7

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

4. Bless them

“Bless” means to speak well of

Luke 6:27-28

But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

1 Peter 3:9 NCV

Do not do wrong to repay a wrong, and do not insult to repay an insult. But repay with a blessing, because you yourselves were called to do this so that you might receive a blessing.

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

5. Do good to them.

Romans 12:17-21 

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Matthew 10:8   

…Freely you have received, freely give.

John 10:10b

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.