Forgiveness (is more than saying sorry...)
Yes, my title is a quote from "Just Friends" -- but it is very much true. Forgiveness is definitely more than saying sorry. It says a lot of things when you are able to forgive.
When you forgive someone -- it doesn't mean you agree with them. It means you love them enough to choose to forgive them, rather than hold a grudge and tear down the relationship.
When you forgive someone -- it allows you to love them on another level.
When you forgive someone -- the burden, stress, and anger is lifted.
When you forgive someone -- it doesn't mean you forget what they did or said, it means you will not hold it against them any longer.
When you forgive someone -- you are loving as Jesus loved.
To me, being a Christ loving, following young lady -- it all goes back to him. He showed me what forgiveness looked like -- and then demonstrated it for me. It is because of him choosing to hang there and die upon the cross - that I am fully forgiven, and fully free. How can I not practice to the best of my ability -- if i"m trying to love as he loved, the ability to forgive?
One definition of forgiveness goes like this: Forgiveness is the intentional and voluntary process by which a victim undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding an offense, lets go of negative emotions such as vengefulness, with an increased ability to wish the offender well.
So to practice forgiveness you have to be willing.
To practice forgiveness you have to be intentional.
To practice forgiveness you have to let go.
Hebrews 12 says: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
I will choose forgiveness. It will take practice, and Lord knows I'm not perfect. But I am willing, and I challenge y'all and pray for y'all in that too.
xoxo Andee
When you forgive someone -- it doesn't mean you agree with them. It means you love them enough to choose to forgive them, rather than hold a grudge and tear down the relationship.
When you forgive someone -- it allows you to love them on another level.
When you forgive someone -- the burden, stress, and anger is lifted.
When you forgive someone -- it doesn't mean you forget what they did or said, it means you will not hold it against them any longer.
When you forgive someone -- you are loving as Jesus loved.
To me, being a Christ loving, following young lady -- it all goes back to him. He showed me what forgiveness looked like -- and then demonstrated it for me. It is because of him choosing to hang there and die upon the cross - that I am fully forgiven, and fully free. How can I not practice to the best of my ability -- if i"m trying to love as he loved, the ability to forgive?
One definition of forgiveness goes like this: Forgiveness is the intentional and voluntary process by which a victim undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding an offense, lets go of negative emotions such as vengefulness, with an increased ability to wish the offender well.
So to practice forgiveness you have to be willing.
To practice forgiveness you have to be intentional.
To practice forgiveness you have to let go.
Hebrews 12 says: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
I will choose forgiveness. It will take practice, and Lord knows I'm not perfect. But I am willing, and I challenge y'all and pray for y'all in that too.
xoxo Andee
Preach
ReplyDeleteLove this. Needed this. Thank you so much!
ReplyDelete"with an increased ability to wish the offender well"
ReplyDeleteLike we are told in Matthew 5:44 we must love our enemies and pray for them. It goes beyond changing how we think about the offense but also the offender. Love them despite not in spite of their failings; we must love them like Christ loved us.
Thank you love! Always need these reminders :)
I like to be reminded of the example of forgiveness Joseph showed his brothers after they threw him in a pit and sold him as a slave. Joseph had the perfect opportunity to get even with them, but he had forgiven them, and showed grace instead.
ReplyDeleteHello andeemichelle, I am a Pastor from Mumbai, India. I am blessed to go thorugh your post on Forgiveness. It is in deed very encouraging and truth reaveling. I am also blessed and feel privileged and honored to get connected with you as well as know you through your profile on the blogger and the blog post. I love to get connected with the peopple of God arund the globe to be encouraged, strengthened and praying for one another. I have been in the Pastoral ministry for last 37 yrs in this great city of Mumbai a city with a great contrast where richest of rich and the poorest of poor live. We also encourage young and the adults from the west to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. We would love to have you come with your friends to work with us during your vacation time. I am sure you will have a life changing experience. My email id is:dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwakar Wankhede. Looking forward to hear from you very soon. God's richest blessings on you, your family and friends.
ReplyDelete