REPAIRING RELATIONSHIPS (The Road To Freedom)

Eph. 4:31-32 R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y.

Matthew 5:7 Happy are the Merciful Matthew 5:9 Happy are the peacemakers

E valuate all my relationships. Offer Forgiveness to those who’ve hurt me

and make amends__ for harm I’ve done to others except when to do so would harm them or others.

PART 1: FORGIVE THOSE WHO’VE HURT ME.

WHY?

1. Because God Forgave me Col. 3:13 "The Lord Forgave you, you must forgive others"

2. Because Resentment Doesn't Work! Job 21:23-25 "They live and die with bitter hearts"

3. Because I need Forgiveness in the future Mark 11:25 "Forgive others so God will Forgive you"

HOW?

1. Reveal my hurt. Make a list of those who’ve harmed me and what they said … thought … did.

2. Release my offender. Mark 18:21-22 Forgive 70x7 (everything)

“Empty chair” technique

3. Replace my hurt with God’s peace “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Col. 3:15

PART 2: MAKE AMENDS TO THOSE I’VE HURT WHY?

Have I been a Stumbling block for others Heb. 12:15

HOW?

1. Make a list of those I’ve harmed and what I did. Hurt- emotionally? physically? Unfaithful? Lying?

2. Think how I would like others to make amends to me. “Do to others as you’d have them do to you.” Luke 6:31

• The right time “There is a right time and a right way to do everything.” Eccl. 8:6 (GNB)

• The right attitude “Speak the truth in a spirit of love.” Eph. 4:15

• Is it appropriate ? “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Rom. 12:18

3. Refocus my life.

“Put your heart right, reach out to God … then face the world again, firm and courageous. Then all your troubles will fade from your memory, like floods that are past and remembered no more.” Job 11:13–16 (GNB)