Forgiveness 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. It pains the soul, over and over. Hurt or anger can become a controlling factor in your life.
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 the pain is so deep. But, if one can forgive (not necessarily restore the relationship if it was toxic), 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. Trust God to change your heart and give you the strength to let go and let God.
This message is excerpted from “As we forgive those who sin against us,” by Tricia Niesche from the May 20, 2019, blog of the Women of the ELCA.
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