What forgiveness isn’t…

When we are hurt, when it is difficult to forgive, often fear takes up residence: “If I forgive, then we’ll have to reconcile and be friends again, just like before!”

But no…that’s not true! The process of forgiveness is something that takes place between you and God. Forgiveness is an act of obedience to Him.

“Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” (the Bible, Colossians 3:13)

God asks you to forgive to reconcile with…Him! And not necessarily to pick up your friendship again with the person who wronged you!

Of course, if that happens, it’s a good thing to resume a healthy relationship. But if it doesn’t happen, it’s not a sin! What God is asking of you…is to forgive.

When we hold on to bitterness against someone, the state of our hearts doesn’t allow the Holy Spirit to act or move in power and goodness in our lives. The act of forgiving someone re-establishes the connection between our hearts and our Heavenly Father’s heart.

When you are going through difficult times, I would like to encourage you to choose what is important to God. The path of forgiveness isn’t the easiest, but when you choose it, it’s a gift…you give yourself!