Forgive - For Your Own Sake


Forgiveness seems to be a reoccurring topic in my life this year. I've heard radio show host and counselor June Hunt talk a lot about it. Other Christian counselors, on the radio, are always pushing forgiveness. I had my own moment with the Holy Spirit when He got through to me (finally) that I had some forgiving to do. Earlier this year, I heard forgiveness on Focus on the Family when they were telling about the YWAM missionary students who chose to forgive a deadly shooter. I just read a book in which the main character needed to forgive. And, Pastor Charles Stanley spoke on the subject during one of his radio shows. I'm beginning to think that forgiveness must be a topic that many of us need to learn about. Those Christian radio shows and books weren't made just for me. Were they?

One of the most important parts of Christianity is forgiveness. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. And He forgave us - before we even asked Him, too. He forgave us knowing that we would continue to sin and hurt Him.

We are commanded to forgive, but it is so hard for us to do. If someone has caused us great pain, in unrepentant, and continues to hurt us - why should we forgive? Well, I've heard that it is for our own good. When we forgive, we are giving up the "wrong doing" to God. It doesn't mean that we accept what the person has done or dismiss their bad behavior. It doesn't mean that we have to become buddies with a hurtful person. But, it does mean that we let the hurt go so that the unforgiveness doesn't make us angry and bitter and control our life.

I've been there. I had a "right" to be hurt and the bitterness gradually took over until it controlled me. It consumed my thoughts, my attitude and my mood. I had a really hard time growing closer to Jesus and serving at church with this attitude. During a worship service, at church, we were singing a song and I realized that I didn't agree with what I was singing. The Holy Spirit was convicting me, so I prayed and told Him that I needed to forgive. I meant it and the heavy, heavy bitterness was lifted. I can't remember the name of the song or even the day it happened. But, I remember the wonderful feeling as the unforgiveness left my heart.

Since then, I've been tempted to not forgive. But, I decide to "Nip it in the Bud" (as my Dad would say). After hearing Charles Stanley speak recently, I realized that I've been holding onto a few little hurts. After I prayed and forgave these people, I realized that the people probably don't even know that they have hurt me. It's just their personality that I let get to me. But Satan knows where to tempt us. And I think he is trying to devour many of us with unforgiveness.

10 comments:

Mercedes said...

Beautiful Post! Thanks you for your kind words about my dalmatian~Patch! I appreciate it! You have a beautiful, inspiring place here. Have a great week!

Christina.B said...

When people think of forgiveness, they think they are doing then offender a favor but in the end it is truly themselves that they set free.

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

Shari~
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a message!!!

Your post today, give's me Holy Ghost bumps!!! Seriously!!!

You've shared some great, powerful thoughts....bless your heart!!
Kim~

Greg C said...

Wonderful post. This morning I heard someone on the radio saying "if her husband did so and so, she would not only NOT forgive him, she would get revenge." Aren't you glad God didn't take that approach. He could have said "I'm saving my son's life, the rest of you are on your own." I am glad I am forgiven and I strive to forgive others when they do wrong. Have a Blessed day.

Greg

Anonymous said...

My Dear Shari,
I enjoyed your Blog this morning. It thrills my heart to see God using you to reach out and touch others. I also heard Charles Stanley speak on "Forgiveness" and it's true that we are the one who benefits by forgiving and not the offender. There is nothing more I can say that you haven't already said so eloquently. Thank you for being a blessing to me and all the ladies who read your Blog.

I love you, Dad

Amrita said...

Hi Shari found your link.God bless

Natalie Witcher said...

Forgiveness can be so difficult, but it is soooo freeing!

Shannon said...

There's a saying about harboring resentments (vs. extending forgiveness) that says "Resentments are like swallowing poison and expecting someone else to die." In line with what you say about our resentments hurting us.

Joyce said...

It's not always an easy thing to do but we are commanded to do so and really.....time does help us through the healing of whatever it may be. Seems as if the hardest thing for me is when my "own people" ( and I don't mean my family) wound me. If you know what I mean.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the comment. You can also purchase the book on the Hope For The Heart website: https://secure2.convio.net/hfth/site/Ecommerce/1035033375?VIEW_PRODUCT=true&product_id=1821&store_id=1201

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