Forgiveness

God placed it on my heart to talk about forgiveness. And I realize that the world, especially now, is filled with anger, distrust, and fear. This blog is not getting on my high horse and shouting at the world and trying right the wrongs right now. Forgiveness is something that I struggle with every day. And some times its multiple times a day I am struggling through forgiveness.

I am a sponge; my term, I often take things too dearly to heart and fixate on other people’s words. I am very attuned to people’s emotions. I have talked about this before. I also have a strong sense of right and wrong. So I can any number of things make me mad throughout the day, from a friend being less than compassionate to an argument with Jman. So forgiveness is something that I practice.

Now, this is just how I practice forgiveness.

First thing: is prayer. I have talked about prayer and the importance of prayer. I believe that prayers are the thing that helps me with those moments when I am struggling with forgiveness. Prayer helps on those nights when I can’t sleep because I am I struggling with hurtful words that are rolling around in my brain. I even pray with some people who are harmful to intent. I pray for God to pour forgiveness into my bitterness.

Second thing: Forgive yourself. Now I also struggle with mistakes that I made some from years ago. And I feel a twinge of guilt. In the past that I have fixated at this moment and then my self-esteem dives. Sometimes that would make my attitude poor, and I would lash out to others. However, within last year I’ve learned I need to forgive myself. So in those moments, I pray for myself and pray to feel forgiveness. I also reread my favorite Promises from God. For myself, it’s Psalms.

Thirdly. I try to take each situation with love, This is easier said than done, but I try to understand the other person’s point of view I can help my hurt feelings.

Fourth I create safe boundaries. I am very much like a dog. If you kick me, I will be hesitant to be as friendly. I am always respectful to people, but I may not be pleasant, or I won’t reach out as much. Its because it is a toxic relationship for what I am struggling with.

Finally, I own my mistakes and ask for forgiveness. I am a firm believer that I am as much at fault as other people. I apologize and verbally acknowledge that I forgive them. And then I remember to pray for them. And my reaction for next time.

True forgiveness comes from God alone. It is an action that starts with prayer, but also the verbal acknowledgment of mercy is also so important. It takes time and is a daily practice.

2 Corinthians 2:5-11

5 If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. 6 The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. 7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. 9 Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 10 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his scheme.

TTFN and God Bless and Keep You.