Forgiveness is something I've been learning more about within these past few months. I never held grudges, but I could hold on to pain as if it were my profession. I did not (at the time) fully understand the complete concept to forgiveness. I did not know the power forgiving someone held with in it. Not so much for the other person, but for myself. As I've mentioned hundreds of times through this blog I did not seriously get into reading the bible until my grandma passed (July 08). I can tell you it was the greatest gift I could ever have given myself, because with it I have learned so much about my Heavenly Father and myself. I've learned of his promises and knowing them brings me such sweet joy. I now have a more structured way to live my life. Do I go to church every Sunday? No I do not. But every morning I pray, read my bible and watch Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen. These things have guided me to the life I am living now. It is because of Joyce and Joel (through God) that I am almost done with my schooling to become a spiritual counselor.
Reading the Bible is easy. Living the bible can be a true challenge, but I do it to walk with The Lord. Reading the Bible taught me what True Forgiveness was. It is SO HARD to do, but when I did it I felt fabulous! It was as if someone had did magic on me! I was released from all of the negative emotions, hurts and anger that come with being hurt, lied to or betrayed. How can you forgive someone who has betrayed you? Someone who has stolen every ounce of trust you once owned? For me I had to pray hard on it. But, in a few days I knew it was what God needed me to do. If I can not forgive how can I expect Him to forgive me of all my sins? So, for God and for myself I forgave the one who broke my heart and turned him over to God who has been dealing with him ever since. Sometimes I feel sorry for the person who hurt me, because they are now in a serious bind in their life. I understand this person was living in the dark. God is pulling him out of the darkness, but there are painful things he must face as he re-emerges to the light. I pray for him every day and I even encourage him with uplifting words. The old me would have cut him out of my life and prayed that he suffered (just being honest), but the new me could never want that. In finding God I am finding many other things. One of them is how to forgive and why it is imperative that we do so. This revelation has strengthened my bond with God. It has freed me to live a life of joy and of peace. I deserve this. God, the Father says this is His will for us. Who am I to argue with The Creator right? So, I forgive and in return God has shared more of His light with me. For that I am eternally grateful.
I want to hear from you: How did you handle forgiving someone who wronged you? Did you find peace in forgiving him/her?
I have been in your shoes a lot in life. Hurt many times and held on to the pain...the only one who continued to suffer was me even though I forgave the person.
ReplyDeleteI am very happy for you that you find bliss reading the Bible.
Continue to grow.
God Bless
What a deep question hon ...beautifully offered up too! I think I learned about this when I divorced my first husband. He was abusive and damaged both myself and my daughters. The story got worse as he managed to attain partial custody of my girls. The year following the custody ruling was so painful and I was extreemly angry..esp. with him! It finally came to a point where I realized..he was winning..my life was at a stand still because I could not forgive myself. When I did..I was able to let go of his control and move on and truly learn the lessons I needed to learn. I learned to literally change my mind..and forgive, not regret, take the lessons and leave the rest.
ReplyDeleteThis is a tough one hon...be kind to yourself and just love..something I know you are brilliant at doing for all others...do it for you too hon!
Hugs and love, Sarah
First, Tabitha, let me say "Bravo you" for the steps you have taken in your life to receive the gifts that were placed out there before you; some people never do this and live such spiritually-impoverished lives.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I would like to say that I have found forgiveness to be an ongoing process for me. Sometimes I am able to forgive quickly and easily. But there are also those big hurts in our lives that we may be asked to forgive again and again and again ... each time the memory or the effect of them resurfaces. This is easier, of course, if we have received grace and mercy once before ourselves. How can we forgive others if we cannot extend the same to ourselves ... and receive it there, as well?
Hope that made sense. It's good to be back and reading your blog again.
~Chania Girl
Thanks for your reflection on forgiveness Tabitha. I am in the forgiving business and love to collect stories and reflections of real people struggling to make forgiveness a reality in our world.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you.
I really need to be reminded of this today. Thank you Tabitha.
ReplyDeleteI've learned the same things about forgiveness, especially in terms of how the Lord sets us free. But being on this healing journey for a number of years, I've learned we hit a new depth of seeking forgiveness and offering it as we mature in the Lord.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a blessing to see you on this journey! God's work in you is beautiful!