Forgiveness can be so liberating! If only it was that easy to make the decision and that is what is it is, a simple decision. No one can make it for you. People can try to talk you into it but ultimately the decision has to come from inside a special place in your heart. You have to choose to forgive. Oh, and your choice needs to be because of your faith in God in that you know that is what He asks us or commands us to do in His word. It is the right thing to do. Since God expects us to forgive then He must also give us the ability to do so. And He does!
Jesus was on the cross and prayed ‘Father forgive them for they know what they do.’ He made the choice to forgive. I have asked God to give me the same forgiveness He had when He was on the cross. I have received His Holy Spirit and so I know I have His power to do just as He did all those years ago.
I have had to forgive many times and am sure will have to do so again and again while on this earth. We as humans can’t help ourselves. Hurting people hurt people.
So, I encourage you to make that decision to forgive. And if you do not have the ability to do so on your own strength, no problem! You can do it with God’s strength inside you.
Don’t forgive because it will make the situation better because it may not. The other person may not be sorry at all. For what ever reason they don’t see the error in their ways. And they continue to act the same.
Forgive even if they never apologize.
You only get one life. Live it in such a way that no one has the power to shackle you up in unforgiving misery.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean they get off ‘scott free’, that is between them and God. And it also doesn’t mean you are going to allow them to continue to hurt you. You can love someone from a distance you know. You can call the shots on who is allowed access to your world. Easy peasy when it is a friend compared to a family member. Family is here to stay. Forgive and that family reunion or Christmas gathering can be fun after all.
Sandy’s Free 