12 Steps to Forgiveness

• Ask the Lord to reveal who you need to forgive and write the names He brings to mind on a sheet of paper. Don’t overlook yourself or God.


• Acknowledge the hurt. State the offense and how it made you feel.


• Understand the significance of the cross.


• Decide you will bear the burden of each person’s sin.


• Decide to forgive.


• Take your list to God in prayer. Start with the first person on the list. “I forgive (so and so) for (state offense and how it made you feel).


• Destroy the list.


• Don’t expect your decision will result in major changes in others. Pray for them.


• Understand the person but don’t rationalize their behavior.


• Expect positive results of forgiveness in you.


• Thank God for the lessons you have learned.


• Accept your part of the blame for the offenses you suffered.