Forgiveness is key!

Recently I have been speaking with a dear family member about another's actions and the ripple  it has caused in relationships.

A lot of my family members cannot forgive.  Why?

Most of us have a problem forgiving because we see it as a way of the telling the other person that what you did was fine and you can keep doing it.  We believe we are in essence giving them permission to continue hurting us.

I have learned over the years that forgiveness does not free the other person for their misdeed.  It is not our place to judge and punish them.  They will have to deal with those, as we all will, on Jesus' turf.

What forgiveness does do is release you the victim.  All the hurt, sadness, pain, anger that you have kept towards that person leads to bitterness which leads to lack of joy.  Free yourself from your own wrath of hatred and learn to forgive.

These are hard steps to take.  Years ago I was counseled by a wise fellow christian in the act of forgiveness.  This person I referred to earlier had no interest in burying the hatchet and moving forward in a meaningful relationship even after many attempts to reconcile on my part.

In order to effectively forgive someone it does not necessarily need to be done face to face.  

Go to the Lord and ask for a sincere forgiving heart towards this person that has caused you harm.  Write a letter to the them forgiving them for their acts and name those acts so that you may claim them and relinquish them to the Lord.  Leave this at the foot of the cross and free yourself in Jesus Christ.

It really does work.  I have overcome several terrible relationships which lead me to misery by asking God to grant me a forgiving heart towards them.  The rest is up to God to deal with when the day comes.

Jesus said it best as He hang between two thieves, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
 
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (Matthew 7:1-3)


How awesome He is! All glory and honor be yours Almighty Father! Have a great and blessed day my brothers and sisters! Love, Mary Don't forget to post testimonies, encouragement stories, prayer request.......we are all family. Not a believer or follower. Read more about Jesus. Allow His amazing gift to free you in your life today! Not a believer or follower.  Read more about Jesus.  Allow His amazing gift to free you in your life today!