The document discusses the importance and benefits of forgiveness according to biblical passages. It states that forgiveness frees both parties from being prisoners to past hurts and allows one to change the future. While forgiveness may be difficult, God established the model and provides help, and forgiving others and oneself in keeping with His teachings. Forgiveness is a responsibility and privilege that prevents lingering hurt and resentment as one learns to let go of the past with God's help.

1. Bear with one another …forgive each other just as the Lord has forgiven you. Colossians 3:13

2. To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you.

3. Forgiveness may not be in our ability and requires the help of God Himself.

4. That is fine since God established the model for forgiveness first.

5. God has practiced it daily long before you ever had reason to forgive anyone.

6. When you forgive, you do not change the past but you certainly will change the future.

7. Jesus said, “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you…” Matthew 5:14

8. Remember: God has placed the responsibility and privilege for giving and receiving forgiveness in your hands.

9. God doesn’t want to see you carrying around a load of hurt and resentment.

10. He wants you to learn to let go and He is willing to help.

11. The first place He wants you to practice is with yourself.

12. Guilt can be as damaging as hurt and resentment.

13. Why do you think it is so hard for us to forgive ourselves?

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