Here we are, our first “R” in our process of soaring into greater freedom. You have already taken a giant leap forward by recognizing that you need to take responsibility for your inner healing and spiritual freedom. Congratulations!
Now, as we get into the nitty gritty, I want you to take time with the Lord and ask Him to pinpoint what He wants to work on today. Even recognizing one person you need to forgive can take you a long ways forward in your journey of going deeper as who God created you to be.
Which brings up a point I want to make. This process of the Five “Rs” is something to put in your tool belt and keep handy. The best way I know to live in freedom and keep your ears clean and tuned to Heaven, is to routinely walk yourself through these steps. In other words, this is not a one and done situation.
Stay sensitive to Holy Spirit nudges that tell you that it is time to spend time working on heart issues. Recognize it is time. Then ask yourself this question:
Is there a person I need to forgive?
Let me say right here that I am not talking about speaking to that person. Forgiving others sets YOU free. This is something that is between you and the Lord. A good way to think about this is to ask yourself who you are holding hostage in your heart. Is there someone who triggers you into a negative emotion or response? That is a good sign that there is unforgiveness.
If you have difficulty saying the words, “Lord, I forgive…” try the words, “Lord, I choose to forgive.” Or “Lord, I want to forgive.” Then keep working on it.
I advise you to be very specific here when you complete the sentence, “Lord, I forgive __________ for _________________.” The more specific you are, the more compete your healing will be.
When you have exhausted the list (we all have them) of people and things that need to be forgiven, bless and release them. This is the act of setting them free from the cage where you have held them in your heart.
“Lord, I bless_____________________ and release them to their destiny.”
Miracles happen when we rid ourselves of the bitterness that comes with unforgiveness. It Is not only freeing spiritually, you heal yourself physically as well. Our physical nature is closely tied to our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. Stress decreases. Blood pressure normalizes. Brain fog clears.
I have heard testimony after testimony about relationships being restored simply because one person decided to forgive the other (without talking about it to them). I can’t say I understand it but I know God is in the middle of it.
Perhaps it has something to do with Jesus’ words to the disciples,
“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.”
Matthew 6:14–15
I don’t have the understanding of the miraculous freedom, but I do know you will be soaring in greater freedom after you take the time to recognize who you need to forgive and go through this process with the Lord.