Forgiveness is not for the sake of the offender but for our own sake. We forgive in order to be free from bondage to past hurts and to be released for a better life going forward.
In all the steps along the path of forgiveness, it may take time to come to a place of reconciliation or release. It is important to allow ourselves to move at our own pace until we can feel free.
When we walk the path of forgiveness, we tap into something deep within us—our basic human need to be in relationship with others. We join in Jesus’ prayer that all may be one (John 17:20). We become more whole, and we help make the world a better place.
This message is an excerpt from “As We Forgive” by E. Louise Williams, from the January/February 2015 Gather magazine. Today we remember Justin, martyr at Rome, who died around 165.
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