How Can I Forgive Everyone Who’s Trying to Destroy My Life? | Herbert Cooper - Audio

Hebrews 12:2–3 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (NIV) Hebrews 12:2–3 Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! (MSG) 1. Betrayed 2. Falsely accused 3. Rejected 4. Abused 5. Humiliation Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (NIV) Luke 11:4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’” (NIV) 7 Things Forgiveness Is Not 1. Forgiveness is not pretending I’m not hurt 2. Forgiveness is not minimizing the seriousness of what they did 3. Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness  4. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting 5. Forgiveness is not reconciliation 6. Forgiveness is not waiting for an apology 7. Forgiveness is not a feeling 5 Things Forgiveness Is 1. Forgiveness is hard Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV) 2. Forgiveness is personal 3. Forgiveness is a process Matthew 18:21–22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (NIV) 4. Forgiveness is doing good to them Luke 6:27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, (NIV) 4A. Do good by not retaliating Romans 12:17–19 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (NIV) 4B. Do good by praying for them Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (NIV) 4C. Do good by blessing them Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (NIV) Romans 12:20–21 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.”  21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NIV) 5. Forgiveness is setting you free