Holding on to Forgiveness
When forgiveness has truly been wrought in one’s heart, they are able to remember the infraction that caused the unforgiveness, but without the same level of pain/hurt that can paralyze the joy and liberty of one ‘s relationship with Christ.
For most of us, the most difficult step in the forgiveness process is holding on to forgiveness, because of a distorted mindset that causes one to momentarily doubt the whole truth of God’s Word. This results in one resuming the state of unforgiveness, which lacks full surrender to the Lord to trust Him in the matter.
An article entitled The Hard Work of Forgiveness, Step Two: Fact vs. Opinion by Leigh Pretnar Cousins, MS states, “A great deal of forgiveness entails sorting out the opinions from the facts, and then examining and replacing the opinions I don’t want to hold onto." She highlighted the point that “Feelings are facts! Thoughts may be opinions, but the feelings they produce are real. Just because those feelings only exist in one person’s head doesn’t make them imaginary.” (This is why we talk about the importance of validating other people’s feelings…more on this some other time!)
Holding onto forgiveness is synonymous with maintaining one’s deliverance, which entails being intentional, tenacious and consistent deliberate actions that follow repentance:
Steps to Repentance:
The Word of God goes forth, which brings correction, teaches truth, convicts of sin, training for right living and God’s Word is sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the division of soul and spirit (2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4:12).
One’s heart experiences Godly sorrow to the point of one being honest with self and confess unto God with the asking for forgiveness.
Result is changed thinking and ultimately a turning away from sin.
Steps to Maintaining Deliverance: (outlined in Pigs in the Parlor by Frank & Ida Mae Hammond)
Put on the whole armour of God (Eph. 6:10-18)
Confess positively (Mark 11:23)
Stay in the Word of God (James 1:22-25; Ps. 119:105; Ps. 1:1-3; Eph. 5:25-26; Heb. 4:12; 1 Pet. 2:2, Matt. 4:4)
Crucify the flesh (Luke 9:23; Gal. 5:19-21, 24)
Develop a life of continuous praise and prayer (1 Cor. 14:14; 1 Thes. 5:17)
Maintain a life of fellowship and spiritual ministry (1 Cor. 12:7-14)
Commit yourself totally to Christ (Rom. 5:10)
Resources http://blogs.psychcentral.com/always-learning/2011/06/the-hard-work-of-forgiveness-step-two-fact-vs-opinion/
Hammond, F. & Hammond, I. (1973). Pigs in the Parlor: A practical guide to deliverance. Kirkwood, MO: Impact Christian Books Inc.
