AKA
Forgiveness.
This is a hard one, yes.
Are you the type of person who holds grudges? Thankfully I am not really a grudge-y person, as a matter of fact, it's just too much work for me to remember to hold a grudge :) You know, you wake up feeling normal and then remember that you are mad at someone or treating them with the silent treatment or something like that -- and you go from feeling good to angry. :/ I am truly thankful that the way God made me is that it is usually just too much of a pain for me to hold a grudge. I've been spared that bitterness for most of my life. You know what I'm talking about-- bitterness that can eat you up inside and make you sour.
That being said, as I am getting older I find myself surrounded by people (family too) who hold anger tightly and let it rule their lives. My attitude has not easily rubbed off on them...on the other hand I sometimes feel myself being pulled into that hole of holding a grudge. Yes, I get offended like everyone does, but lately I have found myself holding onto the hurt and wanting to just stay away from those who hurt me.
God, the ultimate forgiver, has to keep reminding me that I need to CHOOSE to "let it go" and forgive. Once I heard a great definition of forgiveness which was something like deciding to give away your right to demand punishment for that person or for their action. I'm not saying that forgiveness is easy, but it's a mind over emotions thing...I know what unforgiveness does to a person, to their family...and I don't want that. I usually end up saying something to God like, "This is so hard. I am choosing to forgive _____. You know I really don't want to forgive them, but ...yes, I do. Please help me to truly forgive and not hold onto this hurt." And He does. Usually the person who I feel wronged by never apologizes or asks for forgiveness, but that doesn't matter, I can offer forgiveness anyhow. It's healing for me to do so.
How many times has God forgiven me? Seriously? Can we even count that high? :) And yet He remains there, with me, helping me, ready to act and always willing to forgive. I wish I was as gracious as He is!
Ephesians 4:31-32
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another,forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Your prayer is the one I usually have to pray when I'm faced with the need to forgive but I'm just not feeling it. You're right - it's a decision and a choice, not a feeling, and God will help us!
ReplyDeleteI needed this. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteForgiveness isn't always easy but it is always necessary for our own mental and spiritual health.
ReplyDeleteGood reminder. I love the verse you highlighted. Thank you. - Lori
ReplyDeleteVery well said. This is truly a struggle, and those who don't battle it will only grow more mired in bitterness. I've witnessed it over and over, which is a good motivator to forgive! Plus, like you said, how many times has God forgiven me! Who can count?! A blessed Easter to you.
ReplyDeleteSuch a life-changing thing, both to be forgiven and to forgive. If I could constantly remember and live those verses...what power! "Just as Christ God"!!!
ReplyDelete