FORGIVENESS
I have been wondering for sometime now how I am able to
forgive even the worst of offences no matter how hard I try not to. This gave
me an idea on how I could write something about forgiveness.
Forgiveness; could mean giving up my right to hurt you for
hurting me and it is impossible to live on this planet without getting hurt,
offended, misunderstood, lied to and also rejected. Learning how to respond properly is one of the
basics in life, especially of the Christian life.
When we wrong someone, we seek his or her forgiveness in
order for the relationship to be restored. It is also important to remember
that forgiveness is not granted because a person deserves to be forgiven.
Instead it is an act of love, mercy and grace. How we act toward that person
may change. It doesn’t mean we will put ourselves back into a harmful or that
we suddenly accept or approve of the person’s continued wrong behavior. It
simply means we release them from the wrong they committed against us. We
forgive because God forgave us.
(Ephesians 4:31-32, Romans 5:8)
There are times we don’t feel like forgiving those who have
wronged us. It is easier to act our way into feeling than to feel our way into
acting. Having a nature of not forgiving others definitely brings about
bitterness which according to some medical researchers has been linked to
stress-related illnesses. By forgiving, we free ourselves spiritually and
emotionally. Forgiveness is an act of
our own personal will in obedience and submission to God’s will, trusting God
to bring emotional healing.
In helping those struggling with forgiveness, we can support
them with encouraging words and by listening to them. Taking our time and being
gentle with them will allow them to progress through the steps of forgiveness
the way God wants them to proceed. People who have experienced abuse, trauma or
loss need time to sort things out and let God bring them to the place of
forgiveness in His time. God’s timing is always the right time for each
individual.
Uplift a person struggling with unforgiveness today in
prayers and with words of encouragement.
Comments
Post a Comment