FORGIVE TO BE FORGIVEN
I am sure most of you have experienced being hurt by someone you cared about. Or, maybe you have been the one who hurt someone even though it was unintentional. It doesn’t matter if you were on the receiving end or the dishing out end, both of these come to a conclusion with forgiveness.
I always write about what I struggle and deal with myself. This past week I have been dealing with forgiveness and trying to love my neighbor. The truth is, I am simply trying to like my neighbor because loving would be too big a stretch of the imagination. The real problem is me and the fact that I am being petty. This person didn’t hurt me, I just got my feelings hurt, and they have no idea they even did anything. Boy, I bet all of you have been there before. Anyway, every time this person’s name comes up in conversation, I feel myself snarling inside. I will quickly squash the feeling, and no one ever knows that inside I am holding a grudge.
I was in bed last night thinking about this because I couldn’t go to sleep. I prayed for the Lord to open my heart and to take away those feelings. I know that forgiveness is the answer and I have tried over and over to rid myself of these feelings. I don’t even know why they persist because it wasn’t a huge or horrible issue in the first place. I have forgiven other people for much worse matters, so why won’t this leave my soul?
Colossians 3:13
13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
I hate it when the Lord spells something out for me in black and white. It is hard to read Colossians 3:13 and not understand that I am to forgive since the Lord has forgiven me. Believe me; I have done much worse things than the small grievance that I am holding on to.
When I think about the things that the Lord has forgiven me for and wiped them entirely away, I am humbled. As I sit here typing this post, I feel myself letting go finally. I feel a lightness that I haven’t felt before when I think about this person. I feel happy and giddy. I know the real challenge will be when the name of the person is mentioned again in conversation, but right now I am feeling confident that whatever was blocking me from forgiving has left me.
Matthew 6:14-15
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
I am glad that I had already felt the burden leave me before I read Matthew 6:14-15. You can believe that this verse would have shaken me to the core otherwise.
The message is clear…forgive to be forgiven!
Have A Blessed Day!
Thank you I needed this today!
Thank you, Tania. I’m glad you’re feeling lighter and better. Unforgiveness does weigh us down. Forgiveness is a decision and the feelings don’t always come right away. But eventually they will.
Tania I am a person that takes things SO personally and then have a hard time letting go. But I do find if I open up and even tell my hubby about it, all of a sudden it makes me feel so much better to share those feelings and get them out and then I say thank you God for having me share my feelings and making me feel so much better to get them out. I hope by typing this to us, it helps to lift the weight off your shoulders too. Maybe this was God answering your prayer last night to “let it go”.
Thank you so much for this, Tania. Exactly what I needed to read this morning. Matthew 6:14-15 is a profound reminder. Blessings to you and happy Super Bowl Sunday!
Thanks Tania — this goes right along with the plan I am reading right now on my Bible app!!! Perfect timing or should I say God’s perfect timing!!! ❤️
Thank you, Tania! I needed to read this today! Have a blessed day ❤️
Tania, I have been struggling with this same thing although the hurt I suffered from a very close friend actually was quite emotionally traumatic. But still I need to forgive and move on with my life. I recently wrote a post about it as well…The Year of Letting Go. Because when we hold onto these things they really do weigh us down. And our higher powers are there constantly reminding us how important it is to let go and forgive. I am so glad that you and I are both on the road to forgiveness as it will enrich our own lives that much more. Thank you for writing about this topic and sharing your own journey. It certainly helps to know that one is not alone in these very human struggles of ours.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Amen!
Tania, this is just what I needed to hear. My hubby calls this “living rent free in your mind”.i actually have an issue with a family member that I just need to get over.
Thank you for that quote. I’m going to remember that.
Love this Tania!! We all have things like this trying to hinder our walk in Christ. The wonderful thing is the conviction you feel. God is moving girl!! How great is it to know that He has his eye on you and he cares and loves you enough to keep this on your mind. Plus, look how many others you just helped!! God uses you in so many ways!! That is called favor!!! Happy Sunday!!