Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 ESV
Have you been hurt by another's actions? Have you been betrayed by a loved one who you felt would be by your side always? And when you think about what they have done, and how they are not remorseful or asking for forgiveness, the hurt and betrayal you feel can be painful and intense. Many of us have heard a sermon preached or people talking about how one should seek forgiveness. But because of your state of shock, anger, hurt, betrayal, and pain, you just can’t seem to get to the point of forgiving this person. However, the advice given regarding forgiveness is true. Forgiveness is vital for us and our healthy state of well-being, it is not so much, for the person who wronged us.
When you seek to forgive another individual for the wrong, they’ve done, many are waiting to feel forgiveness towards the other person. But more often than not, forgiving another individual is not based on feelings, but based on making a decision, whether they deserve it or not. We have to remember that when seeking to make the choice to forgive someone, we are releasing ourselves from the bondage of anger, hurt, and bitterness, that can mentally, emotionally, and physically weigh a person down. Of course, it would be nice if the other person humbles themselves, repents, and asks to be forgiven. In that case, forgiveness could be a blessing and ease the pain for everyone involved.
We all have to realize we have choices in life. We can choose to forgive or, we can choose not to forgive. Either way, we are making a choice. God does not force this decision upon us. He gives us instruction and guidance on how to live our best life and it is up to us to choose. If we choose to forgive (again it is a decision, not a feeling), we will gain spiritual strength and peace from all the pain and anguish we’ve endured. Once, we have released this weight, we will begin to flourish and become stronger. Eventually, we can then share our testimony of how God has forgiven us and in turn, we have chosen to forgive others.
Blessings,
Angélique 💐
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