004: Finding Freedom Podcast - Episode 4: "Forgiveness"

Episode Summary
In this deeply transformative episode of Finding Freedom, hosts Nate and Teresa explore the challenging but essential topic of forgiveness. They uncover what true forgiveness looks like, why it’s vital for emotional, spiritual, and even physical health, and how it aligns with God’s command to free our hearts from bitterness. The discussion is rooted in the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21–35) and supported by scientific insights on the effects of holding onto resentment.

Whether you’re struggling to let go of a specific offense or just curious about the healing power of forgiveness, this episode provides practical steps, relatable stories, and hope for those seeking freedom from emotional burdens.

Key Topics Discussed

1. The Biblical Foundation of Forgiveness

   • Exploration of Matthew 18:21–35, the parable of the unforgiving servant.
   • Insights into God’s command for forgiveness as an act of freedom, not punishment.
   • The relational consequences of harboring bitterness and unforgiveness.

2. What Forgiveness Is—and Isn’t

   • Forgiveness is not excusing or forgetting the offense; it’s releasing the offender to God’s judgment.
   • Bitterness defined as choosing to hold judgment against someone who’s hurt you.
   • Forgiveness as an act of spiritual liberation from the "prison" of resentment.

3. Practical Steps to Forgiveness

   • Acknowledging emotions like anger and resentment before God.
   • Inviting God into your internal dialogue to shift from rumination to healing.
   • Choosing forgiveness as a decision, not waiting for emotions to align.

4. The Cost of Unforgiveness

   • Psychological effects: heightened stress, anxiety, and emotional instability.
   • Physical consequences: chronic pain, immune dysfunction, and other stress-related conditions.
   • Real-world examples of healing through forgiveness, including insights from studies on chronic pain relief.

5. Personal Stories of Forgiveness

   • Nate and Teresa share candid experiences of working through unforgiveness in their own lives.
   • How resentment can create "layers" of emotional turmoil, and the freedom found in peeling them back.
   • Compassion for offenders as a surprising outcome of forgiveness.

Memorable Quotes

• "Forgiveness isn’t saying what they did was OK—it’s saying I’m leaving it in God’s hands to judge."
• "Unforgiveness is a prison, and bitterness is the key that locks us inside."
• "God doesn’t command forgiveness because He’s harsh—He does it because He’s good and wants us free."
• "You can’t wait until you feel like forgiving; forgiveness is a choice, not an emotion."

Support the Ministry
This ad-free podcast is brought to you by listeners like you! If this episode encouraged or challenged you, consider making a tax-deductible donation to support Finding Freedom and Inner Healing Ministries. Every dollar helps us continue sharing life-changing messages. Visit innerhealingministries.com to contribute.

Connect with Us

• Website: innerhealingministries.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
• Share this episode with someone who might benefit from the healing power of forgiveness.

Episode 3: What is Trauma? Understanding the Spiritual Aspects of our Trauma and Knowing Jesus as our Wounded Healer
In this powerful episode of Finding Freedom, Nate and Teresa dive deep into the wounds we carry and how true healing can only come through facing those wounds head-on with God’s help. They explore the emotional, mental, and spiritual trauma many of us experience and the steps to inviting Jesus into those broken places to bring restoration.

They discuss:

• The definition and various types of trauma.
• The science behind what happens to your brain during and after a traumatic event.
• Various therapies offered for trauma recovery.

• An overview of the spiritual aspects of trauma/ woundedness, and Practical steps to recognizing and addressing your deepest pain.
• Biblical insights on how God views our brokenness and His heart for our healing.
• How Jesus can transform our wounds into His glory as we identify with him in our suffering.

Scripture References:

• Isaiah 53:5 – "By His wounds we are healed."
• Exodus 20:5-6 – "The sins of the fathers are visited upon the children to the third and fourth generations."
• James 4:7 – "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
• John 20:24-29 – The story of Thomas: In this episode, we reflect on how Thomas doubted the resurrection until he touched Jesus' wounds. Similarly, we must confront our own wounds in order to experience true healing. Just as Jesus invited Thomas to touch His wounds, we are invited to open ourselves to God’s healing power.

Support Our Ministry:
If this episode touched your heart and you’d like to help us continue this important work, please consider supporting us with a donation. Every contribution helps us provide hope and healing to more people.

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Summary:

In this episode, Nate and Teresa dive into the lies that we believe about ourselves and how they can hold us back from true healing.

They unpack how these lies shape our emotional and spiritual lives, and how to replace them with God's truth.

Join them as they explore the first of three key areas: Lies, with upcoming episodes focusing on Woundedness and Bitterness/Forgiveness.

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Key Moments:

• Welcome & Introduction
  Nate and Teresa introduce the theme of inner healing, focusing on the lies we believe and the spiritual warfare involved in confronting those lies.
• Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
  The hosts discuss the relevance of spiritual warfare, using the scripture as a foundation for the episode’s exploration of inner healing.
• Understanding Lies in Our Lives
  They discuss how Satan, as the "father of lies," uses deception to keep us bound, and how inner healing involves combating these strongholds.
• Common Lies We Believe
  Nate and Teresa share real-life examples of common lies, such as "I'm not worthy" or "I'm not good enough," and how these beliefs affect our behavior.
• The Lie of 'I'm Good'
  A discussion on the damaging effects of pride and how the lie of self-sufficiency prevents us from seeking healing.
• Personal Testimony: Chosen by God
  Teresa shares her personal story of overcoming the lie that she wasn’t chosen, and how embracing God's truth brought her freedom.
• Recognizing the Enemy's Lies
  Practical tips for identifying when the enemy is speaking lies into your life, and how to combat them with God’s truth.
• The Emotional Impact of Lies
  How believing lies creates emotional and spiritual patterns that keep us stuck, and how to break free by exposing these lies.
• Replacing Lies with God's Truth
  Replacing the lies with God’s truth: Nate and Teresa discuss the importance of recognizing and renouncing lies, and claiming God’s promises about our identity.
• [46:08] - Prayer & Reflection
  Nate guides listeners in a time of prayer and reflection, encouraging listeners to seek God’s truth for the lies they've believed.




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Key Takeaways:

• Lies, often rooted in childhood trauma, distort our understanding of ourselves.
• Spiritual warfare is real, and Satan uses lies to keep us from embracing God’s truth.
• Recognizing and renouncing these lies is the first step toward freedom and healing.

Additional Resources:

• Knowing Who I Am in Christ - A List of Bible Verses about your Identity in Christ

Episode Summary:

Welcome to the very first episode of Finding Freedom: A Journey to Inner Healing! In today’s episode, your hosts Teresa and Nate dive into the heart of inner healing—what it is, why it matters, and how it can transform your life. They discuss the root causes of emotional, mental, and spiritual pain and explore how Spirit-empowered prayer can lead to true freedom.

Teresa shares insights from her 20+ years of experience in inner healing ministry, including powerful personal stories and key moments that have shaped her journey. Together, Teresa and Nate will guide you through what to expect in a typical inner healing session and offer practical steps for anyone ready to begin their journey toward freedom.

If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by past hurts, this episode is the perfect starting point. Get ready to uncover the treasure that God has placed within you!

Key Takeaways:

• Learn what inner healing is and how it differs from traditional counseling approaches.
• Discover how unresolved trauma and emotional pain can hold you back in life.
• Understand the transformative power of Spirit-empowered prayer.
• Hear real-life examples of how inner healing has brought freedom to countless individuals.
• Get practical with Teresa as she walks you through an inner healing exercise at the end of this podcast!

Scripture Reference:

• Matthew 7:7: “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you."

Reflection Questions:

1. What are some areas in your life where you feel broken? How can you invite God into those places for healing?
2. How does the idea of God’s power shining through your weakness change the way you view your past struggles?
3. Are you ready to see your wounds as opportunities for transformation?

Listener-Supported Ministry: Finding Freedom: A Journey to Inner Healing is a listener-supported podcast, and we depend on the generosity of our community to keep this ministry going. We do not run ads, so if you’ve been blessed by today’s episode and want to partner with us in bringing healing to others, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. Visit our website to donate today and help us continue sharing this life-changing message with the world.

Connect With Us:

• Website: innerhealingministries.com
• Facebook: @InnerHealingMinistries
• Instagram: @InnerHealingMinistries
• Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, resources, and more!

Next Steps: If you’re ready to take the next step in your healing journey, visit our website to book a session with one of our experienced prayer counselors. Start your journey to freedom today!