I often wonder if the reason we don’t forgive as we should is because we don’t understand the subject well enough.
Yesterday I posted 7 Things that Forgiveness is NOT. It seems appropriate to also post 7 things that forgiveness IS.
Here are 7 things that forgiveness IS:
Letting go of a right to get even – You give up the right for revenge when you forgive someone.
Moving forward – Forgiveness is like saying, “It hurt. I didn’t like it, but I’m moving forward with my life in spite of the pain.”
Dropping resentment and grudge – Forgiveness releases the angst towards the person who did the injury.
A choice – Forgiveness isn’t easy, but it’s a conscious decision made by the injured party.
A step towards healing – Forgiveness releases a weight from the shoulders of the injured, opening the door for emotions to heal.
An opportunity to display grace – There is no greater picture of God’s forgiveness of us than for us to forgive one another.
The removal of a roadblock – Forgiveness removes the barrier between us and living at peace again with ourselves, others, and God.
I know these are difficult. I know some of the pain runs deep. I can’t describe it for you adequately, but I can tell you that forgiveness IS all it’s claims to be. If you truly want to be free of the hold the injury has on your heart, forgive the one who injured you.
What would you add to my list of 7 things forgiveness IS?
What is the most difficult situation you’ve had to forgive? Do you have a story that could encourage us?
