Christ calls us to forgive, but it isn’t easy. Sometimes it is almost impossible. But forgiveness is more for the forgiver than the one being forgiven. If you don’t grant forgiveness, you are left with hurt or anger that has nowhere to go. Hurt or anger can become a controlling factor in your life.
My grandmother used to say, “Fake it till you make it.” If you behave as though you have forgiven the person, then it’s easier to forgive. (A lot of prayer helps, too!)
Forgiveness can happen whether the one to be forgiven knows about it or not. It would be nice if everyone who caused hurt or pain saw the result of their words or actions. That they don’t recognize their responsibility is often one of the reasons that the pain is so deep. They don’t take ownership. But, if one can forgive, the healing can begin.
Forgiveness is not a once and done event. Sometimes I need to forgive many times, but that’s okay. The desire to be able to forgive brings us closer to forgiveness every time.
This message is excerpted from “As we forgive those who sin against us” from the May 20, 2019, blog of the Women of the ELCA.
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Thank you for reaching out, Jennifer. I was able to look up your account and it appears it is up to date and you were able to open today’s message. That is great news! Thanks for joining the Daily Grace email. Blessings, Beth