I've been thinking a lot lately about forgiveness. It's been pretty heavy on my mind for months now, actually. It's one of those things where you hear something all your life, but you never really ponder it until a personal experience causes deep, soul-searching reflection and contemplation. I guess the hardest lessons learned in life are the ones you never forget afterward, and I guess it's those learned lessons that stick with you and make you pause before dealing with a given situation that would have otherwise caused a quick, rash decision. With the thought of forgiveness comes the other side of the story... repentance. If we are to forgive seventy times seven, how often should we say "I'm sorry"? When do you reach the point where you know in your heart you've done everything you can to make a wrong situation right? I know there comes a time to drop something, let it lie, so to speak. There are consequences of actions that will cause one to never feel at ease in their heart, I realize that. But when something is left "undone" the way you really wanted it to be "done"... is it ok to try again? These are the thoughts heavy on my mind. Any insight from my readers would be welcomed.
I've learned that forgiveness is something that you do for yourself. When you truly, from the heart forgive someone for hurting you, they no longer have power over your life. Remember also that forgiveness has been defined as surrendering your right to hurt someone back.
ReplyDeleteDaddy
Forgiveness is between yourself and God, not between you and the other person. We are commanded to forgive and cannot be forgiven ourselves if we do not do so. It takes the "situation" out of the situation and thereby removes the sting, if not the memory. When that happens, you have a freedom to mend fences. Repentance is also between yourself and God. God is God and He forgives ultimately. The hardest part is forgiving yourself....and then, and only then, can you feel at peace.
ReplyDeleteMatthew 5:23-25
ReplyDelete23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
God values relationships. You are responsible to have a heart right toward God, but you cannot have a heart right toward God without a heart right toward your neighbor.