It's human nature to nurse our wounds. To rehash and replay offenses until they begin to fester deep within our soul. But God asks us to fully and freely forgive those who've wronged us.

What does this kind of forgiveness look like? And why does God expect it of us? Is it really possible to find freedom from the bitterness and resentment I've harbored for so long?

We'll discuss all this and more in today's episode of Loving Life at Home, so tune in now.

- “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

- “Bear with each other and forgive any complaint you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)

- “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will you Father forgive yours.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

- "As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12) 

- "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" (Matthew 18:21-22)

-  “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22) 

- "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

- “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who despitefully use you… expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:27-36)

- Forgiving Those Who Hurt Us - the original blog post from on which this episode is based

- I Married a Sinner (and So Did He) - the excellent advice Elisabeth Elliot gave me before I wed

- Don't Beat the Other Slaves - my husband shares 6 principles of forgiveness

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