Hey Friend,
Who of us would voluntarily lock ourselves in a prison cell and then throw away the key? Sounds stupid, right? Yet, I've done it. I'm betting you have done it. We all have done it to differing degrees depending on our temperament and the severity of the "offense" committed.
Thousands of books, articles, songs and scriptures have been written on forgiveness. I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I do know that it is a subject so strong and prevalent. Why? Because we are a fallen, sinful people and we do stupid and sometimes horrendous things.
Jesus, beaten to within an inch of His life and suffocating on a cross, offered a prayer for our depravity. "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)
The Bible tells us that all will betray us at one point or another. Only God will never leave nor forsake us. If we know this, why are we so deeply hurt when someone (often someone we know well) hurts us?
We are relational creatures and we were designed to live in relationship with one another. When that bond or trust is broken in some way, it can cut to the core of our being. Yet, God calls us to forgive...Why?
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)
If we can wrap or heads around it, God truly wants what's best for us. Everything he commands is for OUR good.
He tells us to forgive others not because they deserve forgiveness, but because we/you deserve peace.
Peace cannot dwell where lack of forgiveness dwells. So when we hang onto a grudge, angst and turmoil will be our constant companions. It's not a healthy place to live. It is a prison cell.
In his song, "Forgiveness", Matthew West sings, "It's the hardest thing to give away...{but} The prisoner that it really frees is you."
But, you don't understand, Bev, this just isn't right or fair. No, sadly it isn't. It hurts even more when the offender fails to seek forgiveness or even to acknowledge that he/she has done something wrong.
But, take heart. We serve a just God. He cannot be unjust. He does say, however, who vengeance belongs to.
"Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord." (Romans 12:19)
We can trust God to administer justice.
I've held onto a worn clipping for a long time (author unknown). When I am dealing with the impossible task of forgiveness, I often refer to it. The words are profound:
Remember, forgiveness is not a stamp of approval on all the wrongs committed, but rather, it is your way of releasing the destructive emotions and placing them in the hands of God with confidence in his ability to administer justice.
God loves you! He grieves over the wrongs you have suffered. God has forgiven you and shown you grace where condemnation was deserved. He can, through His power working through you, enable you to forgive. It is possible. He wants you to be free - a prisoner no longer!
Love,
Bev
Wow, Bev! Your inspired words went straight to my heart this morning. I loved what you said about God telling us to forgive not because they deserve forgiveness, but because we deserve peace. It is so true that we will never find inner peace until we forgive others. This was just what I needed today...you will just never know! I am so glad I found your blog...so thankful to Holley for introducing us GSDers to each other the way she so graciously does. What a blessing! God is SO good! I hope your day is filled with blessings, my dear dreaming sister! Love, Cheryl
ReplyDeleteCheryl,
DeleteI stopped by your blog and tried, unsuccessfully to leave a comment (I'm technologically challenged). Anyway, I so enjoyed reading your beautiful writing while singing, out loud, one of my favorite hymns :) Let us both keep sharing God's heart...that the world may know... Have a lovely day sister GSDer!
Love,
Bev
Bev, thank you so much for this encouragement. It is so true that holding on to a grudge can keep us in turmoil and prison. I had many injustices done to me in my growing up years and it has taken me several years to let go of every last one. Only by God's grace. It is IMPOSSIBLE without His strength to even hope to forgive. I praise God that He is my Vindicator! Blessings to you, God-Sized Dreamer!
ReplyDeleteAnne,
DeleteI can't echo enough that it is by God's grace alone, that we can forgive! Your life is a testimony to what God's grace can do with regard to forgiveness. Keep telling and sharing your story!! Blessings sister dreamer!
Bev
As usual, your words sooth my sore places. Thank you, Bev!
ReplyDeleteKristen,
ReplyDeleteYour comments always make my day...you are a ray of sunshine!!
Always,
Bev
Thanks again for your wonderful words, Bev! They sure ring true. You are so smart!
ReplyDeleteLove ya.
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI'm not smart, I am just a good listener as to what God tells me to write about. It's all Him!! Thanks, as always, for encouraging me to write - that the world may know Him!
Love you girl,
Bev
Bev, once again...BEAUTIFUL! There is such peace in forgiveness. I love the quote from the unknown author that you have shared. We can trust God to be just, and in our trust find peace. Many times we are hurt by the ones we love deeply and forgiveness seems too hard, but when we finally offer forgiveness is when healing can be found. Bless you for your kind heart. (((hugs))) Beth
ReplyDeleteThanks Beth for popping by...I know that you know the ins and outs of forgiveness! Thanks for sharing your insights and your heart! Love you, Bev ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteGod says He will do what He says He will...and so we really can release our unforgiveness to Him. It truly is a prison. One I've chosen from time to time and sometimes I haven't even realized it. But oh yes, the peace that comes once we forgive and release the rest to God.
ReplyDeleteYou're right...sometimes we don't even realize we're in prison. But, oh the peace when we do realize and release it to God! Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Bev