FORGIVENESS…
Why is it often so hard to give/get?We all make mistakes, ignorantly and sometimes wilfully, but when we’ve realized our error(s) it’s time to apologize, make amends and ask for forgiveness. But this is, most times, easier said than done. On the one hand, we may feel too ashamed to even approach the person/s that we’ve wronged, and on the other hand, we’ve may blame them for part of what went wrong. So, shouldn’t they apologise too? Shouldn’t they ask for forgiveness too?
For Bible believers, and those who are spiritual, Ephesians 4:32 says,
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
And Matthew 6:15 says,
“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your (Heavenly) Father will not forgive your sins.”
The thing is, many of us know this but still struggle. The hurt that we caused, or that we feel, always seems too hard to let go of. Not to mention other things that get in the way such as pride and loss. Still, doesn’t God know that that’s what will bring us/them healing? Isn’t that why He placed those guiding words where we could find them? Haven’t our parents and friends encouraged us (at least once) to “forgive”?
Years ago, after my marriage fell apart, and was then followed by much acrimony (on both sides), I learnt that the main purpose of “forgiveness” was for my own emotional and spiritual healing and well-being. This revelation came only after obeying God’s guiding words (see also Matt 5:44). The letting go of anger, resentment, disappointment, pride, and lost love was first cathartic, then therapeutic.
We should want to give/receive forgiveness if we are to reap its benefits. We should forgive as honestly and as sincerely as we can, remembering that that’s how we would want to be forgiven. We should try not to repeat the hurts that we caused, and avoid persons and situations that may have caused our past hurts.
Perhaps the current world unrest could have been avoided if less pride and more “forgiveness” was the order of the day…..who knows?
Comments (3)
It may come in handy...hehe, to say it like that.
When it comes to Ukraina I think it will be interesting to see how the two
folks groups Rus/Ukr meet after. Hope for the best, fear the worst.
It may come in handy...hehe, to say it like that.
When it comes to Ukraina I think it will be interesting to see how the two
folks groups Rus/Ukr meet after. Hope for the best, fear the worst.
It may come in handy...hehe, to say it like that.
When it comes to Ukraina I think it will be interesting to see how the two
folks groups Rus/Ukr meet after. Hope for the best, fear the worst.