I know it has been awhile since my last post. I have been dealing with something I want to talk about today, forgiveness. Forgiveness is not a feeling; it's not forgetting; it's not pretending you weren't hurt; it's not trusting the person again; it's not even reconciliation. Forgiveness is a DECISION you make to obey God. No one, not even God can make you forgive someone. You must decide to give up your right to hurt the person back. I forgive those who hurt me because God has forgiven me for the hurts I have caused him. Forgiveness protects the forgiver from himself. Forgiveness cancels a debt like Christ cancelled our debt. God says, "I do the punishing; all I want you to do is the forgiving." Forgiveness is a process, it takes time, but it is an act of grace that reflects God's treatment to us. When I forgive, I release God to work directly on the other person.
". . . forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32
When I refuse to forgive, I create a barrier between God and me and I can't pray. When I don't forgive I'm saying that what that person did to me is more important than going on with God.
I know I have truly forgiven when the love of God can flow through me to the person who wronged me. When my decisions are not controlled by the other person's behavior, I know I have forgiven. When I am free from the pain, anger and hatred towards that person and experiencing God's peace, I know I have truly forgiven.
This is something I still need to work on. My flesh really wants to be angry and the people that have hurt me in the past. God has really been tugging at my heart to forgive people so that my relationship can move forward. It doesn't happen overnight. Like I said earlier, it is a process. But I know if I walk in unforgiveness my relationship with God will not advance to the place He wants it to be. I have not told any of the people that I forgive them, but in my heart I have told God that I have forgiven them. My relationship with Him is moving forward, but there are still things I need to forgive people for in order to fullfill what God has planned for me.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9
I have noticed now that I have started forgiving people for past hurts that my life is moving forward in the right direction. It is truly better to forgive, than to live in unforgiveness and be angry all the time. Ask my wife, I am a much happier person these days because of changes God has help me make in my life.
Forgive and forget. It's just not worth the hurt.
Until next time!
B
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