Forgiving…

Ephesians 4:32 ESV “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Matthew 6:14-15ESV “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

I stumbled onto a group of pictures last night on Facebook, and a few of those pictures held a face within them of someone I haven’t seen or spoken to in 34 years. I was unprepared to see this face. I instantly felt the memories of the shattered heart, the embarrassment at my stupidity, and the pain of being treated so carelessly and callously.

Why did these pictures affect me so? I can tell you in four words: because I haven’t forgiven! I have moved on, and a lifetime has passed, but the anger at the disrespect remains, and that is something I need to address and work on!

First and only, forgiveness is for ourselves, our release of the emotions, and the damage release. Does it make the pain and memories go away, yes and no, the pain dulls and the memories subside. They no longer ride in the front seat of your mind and eventually, if left alone, end up in the trunk, basically forgotten.

Do we forgive if someone doesn’t seek forgiveness? Yes! We take our hurt feelings, offenses, and anger to God in prayer! We ask for his divine assistance in forgiving said offender and helping move forward in peace. Do we feel the forgiveness immediately? Of course not we are still human after all! But, I would suggest whenever the feelings surface to remind yourself that you are in the process of forgiving and will not entertain these thoughts.

If we forgive, do we have to like or be friends again with said person? No! Forgiveness is the act of freeing ourselves! Can forgiveness be the balm that heals an argument or disagreement, restoring peace within a relationship or friendship? Of course, that’s the best result of forgiving but once again; it doesn’t line us up to go back to a hurtful situation.

What if this person or group of people no longer matter enough to seek the Lord for forgiveness! I would have to suggest you examine your emotions, thoughts and feelings! What mood lands on your heart upon hearing a name, seeing a picture, driving past your last employer, stepping back in church or social club?

If it still drums up negative thoughts, hurtful emotions, anger, and discord, you haven’t forgiven and need to take it to the cross!

Guess, where I’m heading? 🤨

Be blessed today and thank you for joining me. 🥰