Step 3 BITTERNESS VS. FORGIVENESS
We need to forgive others so Satan cannot take advantage of us (see 2 Corinthians 2:10,11). We are commanded to get rid of all bitterness in our lives and forgive others as we have been forgiven (see Ephesians 4:31,32). Ask God to bring to your mind the people you need to forgive by praying the following prayer aloud:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for the riches of Your kindness, forbearance and patience toward me, knowing that Your kindness has led me to repentance. I confess that I have not shown that same kindness and patience toward those who have hurt or offended me. Instead, I have held on to my anger, bitterness and resentment toward them. Please bring to my mind all the people I need to forgive in order that I may now do so. In Jesus' name, amen.
People who want to forget all that was done to them will find they cannot do it. Don't put off forgiving those who have hurt you, hoping the pain will one day go away. Once you choose to forgive someone, that Christ can come and begin to heal you of your hurts. But the healing cannot begin until you first forgive.
STEP 4 REBELLION vs. SUBMISSION
We live in a rebellious age. Many people only obey laws and authorities when it is convenient for them. There is a general lack of respect for those in government, and Christians are often as guilty as the rest of society in fostering a critical, rebellious spirit. Certainly, we are not expected to agree with our leaders' policies that are in violation of Scripture, but we are to "honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king" (1 Peter 2:17).
God established all governing authorities and requires us to be submissive (see Romans 13:f-5; 1 Peter 2:13-17). Rebelling against God and the authorities He has set up is a very serious sin because it gives Satan an opportunity to attack. God requires more, however, than just the outward appearance of submission; He wants us to sincerely submit from the heart to those in authority. It is for your spiritual protection that you live under the authority of God and those He has placed over you.
If authorities abuse their position by requiring you to break God's law or compromise your commitment to Him, then you need to obey God rather than man (see Acts 4:19,20). Be careful though. Don't assume that an authority is violating God's Word just because he or she tells you to do something you don't like. We all need to adopt a humble, submissive spirit to one another in the fear of Christ (see Ephesians 5:21). In addition, however, God has set up specific lines of authority to protect us and to give order to our daily lives.
Points of Interest
1:We are commanded to get rid of all bitterness in our lives and forgive others as we have been forgiven.
2: Healing cannot begin until you first forgive.
3: God established all governing authorities and requires us to be submissive (see Romans 13:f-5; 1 Peter 2:13-17
Congratulations you have finished Lesson 2
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