Forgiveness is a gift we give self if we want to be healed spiritually, emotionally and relationally. God’s Word instructs us if we do not forgive, God will not forgive us. That may seem harsh if we are looking at situations of being terribly wronged by others’ actions toward us.
1. If we do not forgive, we are allowing the wrong actions of others to control us emotionally today. The person that brought us pain may be going on their merry way and we could be paralyzed because we refuse to forgive the pain they caused us. I do not want anyone else controlling my emotions – it’s my choice!
2. God is the one who died on a cross for the sins of everyone who repents. God is the one who forgives the sin. I can only forgive the pain that someone caused me. God is my avenger. If the person who wronged me does not acknowledge their wrong or confess, I still must forgive the pain they caused me if I want to heal spiritually, emotionally and relationally.
3. All of us are responsible to GOD for our own thoughts, feelings and actions. That means no matter what is done to me, my response is to be God-like. God makes us all accountable to Him sometimes on earth and definitely at the final judgment.
4. The Bible teaches us to love our enemies and pray for them. This does not mean that you have to be ‘bosom buddies.’ It means you treat others the way God would want you to treat them no matter what they have done to you.
5. We may have to set physical and emotional boundaries with those that brought us pain. But when we choose to forgive the pain and allow God to heal us emotionally over a period of time through prayer and having integrity with Him, it is the most precious gift we can give to self. CHOOSE TO FORGIVE – YOU WILL BE BLESSED!
© Carol Clemans – October 2013
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carol@carolclemans.org