Forgiveness: How?
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Forgiving is hard. It takes hard work, and determination, and the bigger the wound, the harder the forgiveness. So how about some practical ‘How-To’ tips to help?
a) Deciding to ‘re-forgive’ every time old thoughts of unforgiveness pop into your head. It’s first a question of your faith, trusting that God has forgiven me over and over again for your terrible sinfulness. Then, it’s a question of your will, deciding to forgive, and forgive and forgive. But think about it, if you don’t, have you really forgiven them? Ask God into those difficult memories, and decide to make peace with them until you feel the benefit of the Holy Spirit running the place. b) Release poisoned relationships – if you break free of a situation, keep a watch for people trying to drag you back. They may not even realize they’re doing it, but it’ll block your moving on c) Don’t be discouraged that it’s not instantly fixed – Just as your salvation was immediate, yet you have to walk out your sanctification, the release of your forgiveness is immediate but you have to walk out your healing. d) Living free from the burden of resentment and the toxicity of unforgiveness is a choice followed by a series of choices. It’s a step-by-step thing, but with every step, it gets easier, and your feet get lighter. Finally, ‘It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…’ (Galatians 5:1). God is in the business of freedom, and when you free someone or something that’s been a burden on you, the freedom you receive from Him for yourself overflows.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to forgive – completely – and often, just as You have forgiven me.. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Thank you for these wise, re-affirming words of this journey of forgiveness I’m on. My husband of 35 yrs., left me three years ago for a much younger, married woman. They are now living together, but thankfully, in a community several hours away from me. We sold our new retirement home, and I’m back in the city we used to live in a comfortable 1-bedroom apt. We have two adult children, and all of this has been very stressful for them as well. I am engaged in my faith life, my work life, my social life, and am grateful for all these blessings. The tricky part comes when I am alone in my apt. (and I confess I do not like living alone and am dealing with episodes of loneliness. I know the Lord is always here at my side, but it’s still hard when those moments of hugs, intimacy, going for walks, holding hands, are gone. He goes home to someone every day, I go home to an empty apt. I ask for your prayers as I include our loving Jesus in my negative-talk conversations and continue to turn all of this over to Him. Thank you for your encouraging daily devotions.