R's to forgiveness

For some reason I like "R"s to help me remember. Forgiveness (repentance is another subject) is on going and so I have gleamed from treasured mentors this easy map of forgiveness:

Reveal the offense (reveal to heal) (no closure without disclosure)

Release the offender and the offense (actually are two separate steps) When we face giants it is a time to call and use the name El Shaddai Hebrew for Almighty God. The root emphasizes the power and mightiness of God over the frail, feeble attributes of man. We need to learn the names of Jesus and call on those names

Reclaim what was stolen through the hurt (go directly to God with this) (Gen. 21:22) "...God is with you in all that you do." This is called divine fellowship...God wants us to come to HIM as our daddy....He wants us to give back to us those things the enemy tried to steal through lack of forgiveness. EVEN if the other person does not forgive or see wrong God honors OUR decision

Replace hurt,bitterness, anger etc with compassion and blessing for the offender (model Jesus gave us)

Remember it no more (treat the offender as it never happened before) ( Genesis 16:13)

"...You are the God who sees ; ...Have I also seen Him who sees me?"

Repent (for your offenses in the matter...) (2Kings 22:19) "...because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I spoke against this place ...you tore your clohthes and you wept before Me, I also have heard you, says the Lord"

Remember God's grace repentance and forgiveness is NOT about behavior it is about changing the heart....there is nothing we do that God would love us less for but it is the transformation of our heart that He is seeking. Repent for the motive that separated you from God and let God transform the behavior.

Receive freedom and joy and return to the journey of his building His kingdom (Le. 26:12) "..I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be my people."

If anyone of these steps is missing you know that you have not completed the process of forgiveness and just start over again. God sees and understands our heart. He stands by and will carry you through this precious act of obedience He is with us in all that we do. (Gen.31:5) "...but the God of my Father has been with me..." This is called divine presence that God gives to us for comfort and courage.

What does this have to do with the INtentional parent? Everything. They must see us model accountability for our imperfections so we are not seen as "perfect gods" but we count on the highest source Heavenly Father for divine instruction and understanding. By modeling John 21:25 "Feed my lambs." Feeding the children is righteous living begins with the obedience to forgive. Repentance is modeling the humility as we admit the sin in our own hearts. Lambs (regardless of age) are STRONG in desires but have little else to direct their hearts so parents must be quick to show mercy and grace and model the grace and mercy of God. Parents showing imperfections blocks controlling attitudes toward their children