THE IMAGE OF FORGIVENESS

I have spent a great deal of time mulling over forgiveness.  We are instructed in The Word to forgive--so that we may be forgiven.  The thoughts that whirl around in my head have lead me to question my truly forgiving those who have wronged me.

While recently visiting my other home-Ruston, I asked the question of a room full of Godly women--

"How do you know you have forgiven someone, if you unable to leave the thoughts of your betrayal behind-does that mean you have failed in your endeavor?"  

I have always heard you will forget if you truly forgive--but I am unable to forget---thus the questioning.

One of these dear friends sent me this site today---it is only 7 minutes long--AND contains a valuable lesson.




I listened to these wise words---and came away with a new appreciation for the image of forgiveness.  

Forgiveness does not hinge upon an apology which may never come nor any other attempt by man of "making it right."  How we all desire to be vindicated with the admittance of the wrong we perceive we have been done.  While listening to this video, I realized even when confronted with her tormentor and the one who helped murder her sister--Corrie was unable to forgive--in her own strength.  The suffering she endured--the pain and anguish and humiliation---the literal attempt to wipe millions from the face of the earth---is there any greater wrong?  And then--insult upon injury---one of the perpetrators comes and asks for forgiveness.  Was she thinking, "Surely you don't expect me to forgive him, Lord?"   

I noticed with great interest, she had not forgotten.  Her sister's memory is permanently etched in her mind and heart.  The horrors she endured were not left behind.  They became part of her history--they made up an integral part of who she is.  We are unable--even with forgiveness to wipe away our past and our memory.

She was able to forgive--when looking upon the cross and the One who first forgave us.  Through the unthinkable pain and anguish endured so that we could be forgiven---she was able to forgive.  She forgave because she had been forgiven and instructed to forgive.  Our forgiveness breaks the final strand of control those who have wronged us have over us.  It frees us from the anger and hatred which becomes a barrier to the joy and peace God promises.  It does not erase the past--the past is in the past--it does allow us to move forward.

So with this discussion in Godly community, I have the answer to my question.  Yes, I have forgiven--with no need for anything more--than turning to God and asking for His help---I have forgiven.  The past has made me who I am today---and everything about the past--good and bad---had worked to shape me--grow me--and move me one step closer to Jesus.  

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you
Colossians 3:13

5 comments

  1. Forgiveness means that we do not hold any grudge or ill-feeling towards the person who has harmed/hurt us. No feelings of revenge or ill-will towards them whatsoever. We forgive them, whether they have asked for forgiveness or not, and that's that. We let them go in peace; in our heart at least.

    Forgetting the wrong done to us, or to others, is impossible. We have been created with memories and the bigger the hurt done to us the more we will remember it; perhaps for ever. There is nothing wrong in that. Sometimes not forgetting is important. For example where the hurt was done not only to us, but to other innocent individuals too who were not party to the wrong-doing. For their sake, it is important that we do not forget the hurt they have suffered and we should do our best to help console them as best we can.

    Remembering the hurt done to us can also be positive in that it provides us with yet another opportunity to forgive wholeheartedly once again.

    Whenever Christ sees the scars in His hands, feet and side; He remembers, and forgives once again.

    God bless you, Lulu.

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    1. Well said, Victor. Thank you for your insight!
      Blesdings, Friend!

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  2. Yeah, what Victor said. It's mostly about 'letting go'. I've had to let it go numerous times but it is one of my many, many failings. I tend to remember but only in self-defense because I don't want to be a door mat (or victim) for a bad person. But that may be a separate issue. Another excellent post. Hope your day is blessed. ~:)

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    1. The problem, Sparky, with "letting go" my stomach in, my trousers fall down. As one gets older one's physique tends to be more rounded; and it holds the trousers in place.

      God bless you.

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    2. Don't you just LOVE our "Funny Man"---always there with a light note when things get a little TOO serious! Struggling with the Door Mat thing at his very time, Sparky. Unfortunately, I usually have to get mad--before getting out of the foot path!
      Blessings, Friend!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!