“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the alter and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the alter. First go and be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24

Celebrate Recovery’s 9^th Step talks about 3 kinds of forgiveness we need to make/accept if we are to be free from resentment, anger, fear, shame, and guilt: First and most importantly is accepting God’s forgiveness, then forgiving people who have hurt us and forgiving ourselves as we make amends to those we have hurt. Does forgiveness lead to relational restoration? Yes and no. A lot of people forget that forgiveness in a relationship doesn’t mean that you trust the person. Trust is acquired by taking appropriate action over time. For some situations, forgiveness can be defined as giving up the right to get even—giving up the revenge factor, if you will. It may not be safe to re-enter a relationship, especially if abuse was the issue. But, forgive we must or the past will continue to control us and prevent us from living a life of freedom. Forgetting the past is not done by ignoring it, we need to engage a process that helps us work through it. Freedom may not happen immediately, but it can and will happen if you stay close to Jesus and commit to seeing it through.

“Do not repay 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.” Romans 12:17-18

If you’re stuck in a hurt, habit or hang up, try a CR 12-step group. We have a new Women’s group starting soon. A new Men’s 12-step group has already begun and enrollment is open. God loves you, Jesus died for you, His spirit lives in you! Say Yes to Jesus and Live Love! Dana Cramer // Celebrate Recovery at Crossroads Church