Have you ever struggled with forgiveness, or are you presently struggling now? It is easy for someone to tell us to forgive another individual, but it may be more complicated than they know. I have not written a post concerning forgiveness in a long time, but God put it in my spirit to revisit the topic. As you may or may not know, forgiveness is not for the trespasser. It is for the victim of the undesirable act. Without forgiveness, we quickly become captives while the other individual keeps moving. When people hurt us, especially those we love and trust, devastation is usually in the cup we bear. Nevertheless, we have to tell ourselves, “I Can Forgive!”
Recently, I did something for someone that I thought nothing of. Something I would do for anyone, but the receiver of my act said, “You are so kind!” What was my response? “I am who I am; nothing has changed.” Without giving you too much information, the receiver of “my kindness” has not treated me as kindly. But, regardless, I did not allow who I am to deviate and be less kind or unforgiving.” I Can Forgive!” Walking in this Christian life will provide many opportunities for forgiving someone. Therefore, we must seize each opportunity to let our light shine.
More importantly, our actions can impact the transgressor, even if they never say so or change. Accordingly, we can not allow the misbehavior of others to cloud our judgment and stray off course. I say it over and over: life is short and fleeting. Take advantage of every opportunity to do good and treat others with compassion. Although we may not feel that they deserve our kindness, let God be the judge of all of our actions. “I Can Forgive!”
By God’s grace, I will continue forgiving those who hurt me. What about you? If you find it hard to forgive, ask God to help you, and He will. Lastly, remember we all have transgressions against our Heavenly Father, and He forgives us repeatedly. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14. I’ll return next week with a new post, “I Can Not Cry!”
Be encouraged, and God bless!
Sister Jackie