Video Transcript
Mark:
I have a strange image in my mind about walking around with monkeys on my back. These Monkeys represent sins or wrong doing that have affected my life. Some I did to myself but the majority are monkeys put there by other people that I have chosen to carry.
We find it easy to ask forgiveness for our offense to others because we know our own heart, but we resist the offenses others did to us.
It really makes no difference why the Monkey is there. As long as I leave it there I have to carry it. It will affect my posture and will weigh me down. The weight is difficult to carry and robs my joy, peace, and effectiveness.
Tracy:
I did not grow up in Church so forgiveness was not something talked about. My dad had issues with alcohol and would display outburst of anger to my mother, brother and I. When they went through a divorce he got very angry at me because I would not take sides. He said things that hurt and we went 10 years without speaking.
This affected my self-image and I became resentful and untrusting. I thought if my dad could say I was a bad person and he should love me, who could I trust. I received my breakthrough through developing a relationship with Christ. My freedom came knowing my Heavenly Father loved and accepted me just as I am.
When I received my healing I was able to reconcile my relationship with him before he passed. I would not have been able to reconcile if I first did not forgive and I am grateful I did and was by his side when he went to be with the Lord.
Mark:
Offenses keep us insecure and will prevent us from leading with a pure heart.
I was hurt in a business deal. I spent years frozen because I felt like just forgiving that person would mean never being restored. I let it rob me of my joy and confidence. But later I realized God used that situation to protect and redirect me. Whether we are going through challenges in our health, finances, or relationships we become free when we put our trust that God will heal us.
The story of Joseph and his comments to his brothers. What you meant for evil, God meant for good. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers but several years later he was in charge of all of Egypt during a famine. When he discovered his brothers coming to the Palace for help, he could have held this mistreatment against them. He recognized God had set this up. His statement was what you meant for evil God meant for good. We can use Josephā€™s example of setbacks being setups that God will use for a greater purpose.
The reason I believe true leadership is more important than ever is our acceptance has become dependent on followers and likes. To gain the most from this session, I encourage you to share your thoughts and insights.
