“Not forgiving gives people control
over your life”—Twitter user, Numerology
Okay, so
forgiveness is often extremely unfair, especially if the person who wronged us
never admits fault or attempts to make things right. It’s hard to let go of pain. Our head demands
that the problem be fixed. Our heart wants immediate healing.
Obviously,
such happy scenarios aren’t always possible. Some offenders blindside us with
trauma from which we may never fully recover. Others cause strife and then instantly
move on, not caring about the mess they’re leaving behind.
It takes a truly powerful individual
to accept what cannot be changed. Please see my two recent articles on this subject here
and here.
John Slater, a Google+ friend
“Forgiveness is a form of strength.
It gives us freedom. Never allow anyone to mistake it for weakness. The strong
will always survive in the face of all adversity. Then make way for happiness
and personal contentment.”
The Bible
There are
many scriptures related to meekness and forgiveness. Jesus is at the center of
quite a few of them. He did not allow himself
to be upset by continual skepticism and mistreatment.
Negativity
did not define Him. He merely continued to serve those who did respect him.
The greatest
example of this is in Luke 23:34.
Jesus is on the cross. One of the seven statements He makes is this: “Father,
forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Only a meek person could say
this about the people who were killing him and
fighting over possession of his clothes.
Jesus Christ
had an eternal perspective. The Lord knew that he wouldn’t eventually be held responsible for what his enemies
did; they would. Their burden would be
heavy, much heavier than the temporary pain they were causing. That’s
how He found it in His heart to forgive them.
My Conclusion
It’s much,
much harder to forgive than to stay angry. It takes a tough person to let go of
hurt. Meekness is strength under
control, not the lack of strength. It’s not the same as being unassertive. True
power is to know when to claim one’s rights and when to let them go--for the
time being. Please see this article at PresbyCan
Daily Devotional for a more in-depth study.
How do you forgive despite
unbelievable pain?
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