Forgiveness

I decided to post early this week, since Christmas is on Tuesday. I believe the topic of Forgiveness is so important to discuss, especially in light of this special day. When I first started blogging, I made up in my mind that I wanted to be truthful and open to share how God has changed my life and brought me through trials. I firmly believe that testimonies are important because it gives hope to others in the same circumstance. Honestly, it doesn’t even have to be the same situation for someone else to hear about the power of God.

I have been hurt by people before; there was one person I thought if I was given one opportunity not to forgive, it would surely be this person! But God doesn’t work this way. He has forgiven us over and over and over and over and over again (the overs can continue to go on, but I’ll cut it short here). The Bible says in Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

I know this is a hard pill to swallow for some because we have every excuse for why the person doesn’t deserve forgiveness. But if we really knew what sin is and how it makes God feel, then we would recognize we have done things that did not always honor Him and He forgave us. While we were sinners, He sent His son to the cross for us (Romans 5:8). Thank you, Jesus.

There are homes that will not be visited this holiday season and Christmas dinners that will not be attended due to unforgiveness. It’s time to thank God that the person is still alive and make peace. One day I actually thought about the pain the person caused me; the one I mentioned above. It came to me — if God called this person home, would it even matter what they had done to me? It was as if the pain drifted away at that very moment. I was set free. It wouldn’t matter. I chose to forgive the one who wanted to hurt me and my family. The person did nothing to deserve my forgiveness just like I have done nothing to deserve God’s forgiveness.

I know the pain may still be present, but give it to God. He will heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). Take the necessary steps to call the person, or go to the family gathering on Christmas even if the person is going to be there. Take baby steps if you have to (as my mother has said many times “speak and keep it moving”), but at least take a step. Ask God to help you. He knows you are hurting, but staying away and avoiding the issue is not helping you. Children are suffering because they cannot see their grandparents (if you’re upset with a parent), and you’re missing out on special events in your life due to unforgiveness.

Forgiving the person does not mean you are condoning what they did. But it means you are choosing to be obedient to God and forgive them, which will set you free.

I pray that you will have a Merry Christmas and give yourself a gift that no one else can give you – forgiveness. It’s better than any Chanel bag under the Christmas tree.
There’s a reason God wants us to forgive. You will feel much lighter when you let go of the pain.

Love you in Christ! He is the reason we are celebrating. Thank you God for the gift of salvation.