John 10:10 (NIV)  …I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

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Matthew 5:43-46 (NIV)

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

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But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

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FIGHT or FLIGHT

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Romans 12:17 (NLT)

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.

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Hebrews 12:15 (NLT)

Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

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Luke 23:34 (NIV)

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

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1. Forgive Your Enemy

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Forgiveness is a Command

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Colossians 3:13 (NLT)

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

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Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT)

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

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Forgiveness is a Decision

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‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭32‬ ‭(NIV‬‬)

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

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Forgiveness Frees the Forgiver

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Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT)

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

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2. Pray For Your Enemy

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Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.

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3. Release Your Enemy

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Romans 12:19 (NLT)

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.

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Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT)

… Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

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Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I acknowledge the struggle within my heart to forgive those who have hurt me. I know holding onto unforgiveness only keeps me from the full life you have for me. Forgive me for holding on to unforgiveness. Today, I choose to forgive __________________. Please heal my heart and fill me with Your love and compassion. I release them to you and ask you to bless them. Just as you have forgiven me, I forgive them. Help me to release resentment and embrace Your love, which heals all wounds. Thank you for the strength to live your way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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