That depends on the situation! We hear it frequently in client interviews. They share how someone has abused or mistreated them in the past, and they now want to visit the offender to tell them that they have forgiven them. Is that a good thing to do? Is it helpful? For whom?

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2. Clients share
how they
call/visit an
offender on
their own

3. They tell
the
person
they have
forgiven
them

4. Is that a
good
thing to
do? Is it
helpful?
For
whom?

5. Forgiveness is an
important element of
preparing for
deliverance

6. It is also a
core part of
Jesus'
teachings

7. We teach that
forgiveness is a
decision and
not based on
emotions

8. We are
commanded to
do it (Matt
18:21-22)

9. But,
must
we do
that
face to
face?

10. The
answer is
an
emphatic
"No!"

11. Clarification: we
are speaking
about unilateral,
unexpected
encounters

12. When reconcilation is underway
between two people, this is very
appropriate and necessary.

13. The one who has been wronged
will benefit and help the process by
declaring they have forgiven

14. It is a verbal olive branch to
say "I forgive you"

15. But for self-initiated actions, we
recommend against it unless
safeguards are in place

16. Done with the wrong
motives, it can go badly

17. If God directs it, He has a divine plan

18. Forgiveness is a one-way
release of the offender to
God

19. It does not need to be done face-to-face
(or over social media)

20. What's the best approach if you want to
extend forgiveness?

21. Begin by asking for forgiveness for
YOUR sins against that person

22. Be specific in your declaration

23. Ask for forgiveness and then be quiet

24. If it goes well (remorse from the other
party) then you can consider saying that
you too forgive them

25. If the other
party reacts
negatively,
take a
graceful exit

26. No parting
verbal shots

27. You have done it the right
way before the Lord

28. Now it is time
to wait for good
fruit from good
seed He has
planted

29. Forgiveness is a tricky endeavor

30. It is
necessary
for healthy
spiritual
growth

31. Because of that, the demonic
realm labors to derail it

32. Forgive
others, ask for
forgiveness as
the Lord leads.

33. Be wise
about
telling
others
you have
forgiven
them

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