this presentation lays out the many reasons and techniques for promoting and practicing forgiveness in our lives. While applicable for everyone, this like all of our presentations is specifically designed for caregivers in a long-term care environment.

1. On Forgiveness

2. What is Forgiveness?
• Forgiveness is of greater importance than most people
realize.
• The body, mind, and soul are each affected by both
forgiveness and unforgiveness.
• The importance of human beings getting along with
each other, and the possibility of happy co-existence
depends upon individuals forgiving one another.
• As human beings, we all have different ambitions,
goals, personalities, and DNA.

3. Forgiveness Is Always
Possible
• We are all uniquely created in the image of a
perfect God, and One whose heart is full of
forgiveness, so it can therefore be concluded that
we too have the capabilities of offering, and
accepting forgiveness.
• Forgiveness is possible!
• There is no reason or purpose that true
forgiveness cannot be utilized in our lives . . . God
made and equipped us that way!

4. Did You Know?
• The terms “forgive”, “forgiveness”, and
“forgiving” are found over 112 times in the
Bible!
• Does not this number of references say
something about the importance of the
subject matter?

5. What is Forgiveness?
• Forgiveness is the equivalent of “eradicating”,
“absolving”, and wiping the slate clean.
• Complete restoration is granted, with all penalties, and
prior offenses expunged.
• True forgiveness is an act that restores fellowship with
another, a new beginning in the works.
• True forgiveness never reminds or resurrects the past.
• Forgiveness is making the situation as if the offense
never occurred!

6. Why Is Forgiveness So
Important?
The following characteristics and traits are a
few of the many ways that forgiveness affects
us:
• Prayer Life Suffers: - Matthew 6:15, 18:35,
and Mark 11:25 & 26;
• According to these scriptures, one cannot
adequately communicate with God with a
spirit of unforgiveness!

7. Loss of Joy
• In Matthew 18:35 It is instructed that we forgive
from the “heart”.
• Forgiveness cannot be from the head only!
• An excuse and an apology should never be run in
the same sentence.
• If a person will look inside their heart, and empty
every act of the past, whether it be requesting, or
granting forgiveness true joy will come!

8. An Altered Personality
• In the book of Isaiah 3:9, the statement is made that the peoples
“countenance” witnessed against them.
• Personalities change by forgiving and non-forgiving individuals.
• When hatred, animosities, and grudges are allowed to live with us, we will
bear the marks in many tell tale ways, and one of those is strange behavior.
• Both physical and mental problems can be attributed to a person whose
heart is filled with grudges, and unwilling to forgive and let go of the past.
• When we allow the thoughts of our minds to control us, we can become so
overwhelmed that we may explode!
• If you shake a soda up and then open the top, you know what is going to
happen! It is not healthy, wholesome, or advisable to continue on in a mode
of hate and an unforgiving attitude.

9. Marital Happiness
• To have a happy and peaceful home life, husbands and wives must learn to forgive
each other.
• After the honeymoon is past and the real life begins to unfold before you, it doesn’t take
long to recognize that each person is a different individual and has thoughts, opinions,
and decisions where both may not agree.
• Sometimes these decisions cause uncomfortable atmospheres and feelings within a
family where someone must give in, and forgive.
• Husbands and wives who are forgiving and apologetic toward each other when the time
comes will live a long, happy, productive life together,
• A good family life is essential to our happiness, …it starts with learning to live together,
and learning to forgive one another.
• Even our finances can suffer if we live in the “grudge mode”, the “get even” attitude,
and are unwilling to forgive someone.
• Stop and think about how hard it is to consecrate on the job at hand when we are
vented up with hatred!

10. Breaking The Chains
• If someone is persistent in ignoring someone else, looking the other
way, retaining thoughts of resentment, bitterness, and simply is not
willing to forgive . . . their spiritual life will suffer tremendously!
• We really can’t expect joy, peace, or happiness if we allow a little
thing to continue on in our lives.
• All it takes to “break the chains” of dominance is acknowledging, and
correcting a misunderstanding that occurred somewhere in the past,
yet has been a constant reminder in our heart and thoughts.
• Our spiritual life can be released, renewed, and once again be
exciting when true forgiveness is extended.

11. Forgiveness Is Possible
• Forgiveness touches every aspect of our lives.
• We cannot maintain a normal life without the
ability to forgive.
• We can forgive! It really doesn’t matter who is right
or wrong on an issue, one day the Judge of the
universe will make everything right.
• Until then, we must learn to live with each other
and this requires forgiveness from everybody.

12. Three Types of Forgiveness
Forgiveness From God
Forgiveness From Others
Forgiveness From Self

13. Type 1 – Forgiveness From
God
• When we commit an offense, or break Gods
law or go beyond His will whether it be an act
of commission or omission.
• He is the only one who can forgive and
restore communion however his mercy and
love are infinite!
• God wants to forgive – we need only ask!

14. Type 2 – Forgiveness From
Others• When we offend another person, or do something
innocently, or purposely, we must ask that person
to forgive us.
• As an example, if you stole a neighbors lawn
mower and felt guilty about it, you wouldn’t be
forgiven, or justified in asking God to forgive you,
and think you could keep the lawn mower!
• Your neighbor is the one you sinned against, and
the only one who can forgive.

15. Type 3 – Forgiveness From
Self
• When we have been forgiven either by
God or another individual, we must do
everything possible to continue on in a
manner that is “guiltless” and liberating!
• When we “let go” and accept forgiveness
our complete person will be set free and
on the path to greater learning, and
freedom.

16. Additional Resources
• http://www.thepowerofforgiveness.com/res
ources/
• http://theforgivenessproject.com/resources
/
• http://www.forgivenessweb.com/
• http://counselingoneanother.com/2012/09/
26/resources-forgiveness/

17. Thank You!
Content developed by
Chaplain Ronnie Case,
The Bridge At South
Pittsburg, South
Pittsburg, TN