Strategy 9: Your Hurts

Matthew 18:21-22 (NLT)

²¹ Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” ²² “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. Y’all, probably the biggest bunch of baloney that I was fed as a child. Sticks hurt and stones hurt, but words, those cut deep and hurt. There are all kinds of physical and emotional hurts that we go through in life, but our instructions on how to deal with them is clear. Forgive. Not once. Not twice, but seventy times seven times. Jesus tells us that in Matthew 18: 21-22. That’s 490 times. FOUR HUNDRED AND NINETY TIMES!!!! That is a lot. But I know, trust me I know. I know that I don’t have the slightest idea what they did to you. And you are right and Priscilla recognizes that as well in this strategy. However the instructions are still the same. Forgive. Just look at the parable at the end of Matthew 18. For if you choose not to forgive, then … you can read it yourself.

But there is even more to it than that. Priscilla points us to 2 Corinthians 2:11 to show that choosing unforgiveness allows us to be outwitted by satan. Outwitted by satan, I don’t think so. Not today satan. I think the point that unforgiveness is a bad idea is further illustrated by my favorite quote about unforgiveness. Marianne Williamson says “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison yourself and waiting for the other person to die.” It just doesn’t work. It robs you of your freedom. And remember Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. 

So, go free yourself. Release yourself from the bondage that unforgiveness has held you captive in. Seriously, go! Get to work.

1. If you haven’t already, go read strategy 9.
2. Pray that God reveals to you what unforgiveness you have been harboring in your heart.
3. Make list and check it twice. List out all those that have hurt you and you have not forgiven.
4. Start crafting your prayer strategy. Get specific. Follow Priscilla’s guidance.
5. Pray, fervently. Adding and taking away from your prayer strategy as hurts come and forgiveness goes.
6. Last consider typing it up and printing it to hide in the places where you need a reminder he said to forgive 490 times.