Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not easy. In fact, it might be one of the hardest things we face as christians. However hard it may seem though, we must forgive those who hurt us. I previously wrote of the book "Captivating". In that, Stasi Eldridge writes, "Bitterness and unforgiveness set their hooks deep in our hearts; they are chains that hold us captive to the wounds and the messages of those wounds. Until you forgive, you remain their prisoner." I think of the example of the Amish community again. How incredibly hard would it be to forgive a man of such a monstrous act? But they did. They obviously found great strength in their faith. Why can't we sometimes over smaller things than that?? "Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Col. 3:13

But, as the book continues on to say, forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling. If we wait to forgive until we "feel" like it, we never will. After we choose to forgive, our feelings will still take time to heal. She puts it, "Forgiveness says, It was wrong. Very wrong. It mattered and hurt me deeply. And I release you. I give you to God. "

There have been many cases I can think of in my life where there was a need for forgiveness. It's hard. It's especially hard when you don't feel it being reciprocated. However, it is commanded of us as christians, no matter how hard it is. Thankfully for us, we have Jesus to give the pain to. He, and only He can heal us from that pain and truly release us from those chains.

"But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in Heaven will forgive your sins, too."

Mark 11:25

"Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them quite so much."