by Cindy Bergenback | Apr 4, 2016
You not only can, but you must! Forgiveness is one of the most important steps toward freedom in Christ. Jesus Himself predicates God’s forgiveness of us on our forgiveness of others: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our...
by Cindy Bergenback | Apr 4, 2016
Nowhere do we teach that forgiveness means tolerating sin of any kind, especially abuse. Forgiveness does not mean staying in an abusive situation and giving the perpetrator more opportunities to inflict damage. The loving thing to do is to confront abuse and help...
by Cindy Bergenback | Apr 4, 2016
Technically, no. God cannot do anything wrong. But you had better deal with your bitterness and anger toward God if you want to find spiritual freedom. Again, since we are dealing with the volitional and emotional dimension of forgiveness in the Steps to Freedom,...
by Cindy Bergenback | Apr 4, 2016
“Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. And whoever shall speak a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it...
by Cindy Bergenback | Apr 4, 2016
Again we are dealing with anger that stems from false expectations, in this case, false expectations for ourselves. In answer to the question, when we forgive ourselves, we are simply accepting and agreeing with God’s forgiveness of us. Many people, however,...
by Cindy Bergenback | Apr 4, 2016
Throughout the Bible, obedience brings blessing and disobedience brings cursing or negative consequences. After laying out the choice between the blessed life of obedience and the cursed life of disobedience (see Deuteronomy 27:1-30:14, God asks Israel to choose life...
by Cindy Bergenback | Apr 4, 2016
God was there, and He was greatly grieved over what happened. Psalm 94 assures us that God indeed does see all forms of abuse and oppression and that He is a God of vengeance and justice. He is also our help, our stronghold, and our refuge. Rather than focus on what...
