MFP 332: The Seven Marks of Christian Forgiveness

If forgiveness isn’t hard, you aren’t doing it right - Dan Meola

Summary

Many parents struggle with their children--not because of the kids, but because of the wounds they are carrying from their own parents. The only path for healing those wounds is forgiveness. But how do we forgive, especially when the hurts are deep and real? In this podcast we sat down with Dan Meola, the founder of Life Giving Wounds, a ministry for adult children of divorce. We talked about the importance of forgiveness, what it is--and what it is not. To define true forgiveness, Dan walks us through the seven marks of forgiveness that bring insight to this path to true reconciliation and healing.

Key Takeaways

• No matter how you have been hurt you need to let go of the grudge and forgive. Unforgiveness hurts us, hurts those around us, and prevents our healing.

• If forgiveness isn’t hard, you aren’t doing it right.

• Christianity is the only religion that requires forgiveness, even if it is unilateral. This is impossible by human standards and can only be done by God’s grace.

• The Seven Marks are:

1. It is specific

2. It is an ongoing process.

3. Can be unilateral

4. Means you still have boundaries

5. It is a choice, not a feeling

6. Enables you to let go of anger, resentment, and to cancel past debts

7. Is only possible with the grace of God