Most always, when someone apologizes, I semi-automatically quip back with "Forgiveness abounds."
I started saying that Summer 2010 and I like to believe I coined the word (figuratively).
Yet, I notice myself having difficulty with this elementary task.
You see, it's hard when it's a past deed that left you broken for months. How much more difficult is a on-going deed?
It's called the gift of forgiveness, but is it a gift if it's not known?
"Let go so the Lord can take control. Forgive."
Yes, but how?
You can forgive someone that cut you once, but....can you forgive when there's currently a knife stuck in your heart?
I've read "forgiveness is giving up hope for a better past."
Basically looking forward to the future, what's done is done, no turning back But...what if there's no future on that path, what if you're at a dead end?
Lord, I give it up. Please help me forgive like You do.
Make a path from this dead end, as only You can do.
I love You, and I trust You.
Hear my heart's cry.
Luke 23:34.
ReplyDeleteJesus forgave the people who nailed him to the cross and even asked the Father to forgive them. And he forgave them while he still hung there, with the spikes still through his wrists and his feet.
Jesus didn't wait for the pain to stop before he forgave. And neither do you. Hebrews 2:18 tells us that he suffered when he was tempted and is able to help all those who suffer in the same way, for he is able to sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15).
I'm not saying it's easy... but with God, it is certainly possible.
I know. Hebrews 4 is something I beg Him to help me, I ask Him how He did it.
ReplyDeleteCertainly the Lord Jesus didn't break down and cry every time He heard Judas' name. But if He understands this feeling....
I ask Him for help, to heal me. Hurt is easily bitterness and how can sweet words come from the same fount as bitter?