Forgiveness

Forgiveness... such a simple concept, that takes some people years of having to live in needless anguish, just to be able to not want to kill the one who hurt them. Some never learn the concept of forgiveness. Some people are destroyed by something that they don't know they have the ability to change. Forgiveness, after all, comes from OUR end of the situation.

Matthew 6:14 [paraphrased] says that if we forgive those who willfully and recklessly sin against us, then God will forgive US. His will is for us to let go of all the hurt. Easier said than done, right?

Can I be real? Can I be open, without fear of someone taking the things I say wrong?

I was sexually abused at an early age by a family member. This happened off and on for a couple of years. And for years, the fear and agony had me absolutely unable to be loved, to trust, and to believe that the people who said they loved me were purely there to love me, and not abuse me. When I was old enough to recognize hate, I began to absolutely hate this person. Seeing him made me want to scream. To absolutely murder him. Can I tell you, that at a Sunday School teacher's seminar, at 19 years of age, God delivered me from every bit of hate, resentment, and hurt. I can now be in the same room with this person without feeling pain, or hate. We can have decent conversations. Exchange smiles at times. That's what forgiveness is all about.

That being said, it may have been your ex, your mother, your father, or anyone for that matter. But we MUST MUST MUST forgive to be forgiven.

Please pray, and ask God to help you let go. When you pray, make sure you pray for that person who has done you (or even your children) wrong. The Bible says in Proverbs that if we are kind to those who are our enemies, it will heap coals of fire on their heads. Pray every single day for God to bless that person. You might have to do it through gritted teeth at first, but then it becomes easier, and the more you do it, you will feel forgiveness begin to happen.


Love & Prayers,
Gin