From time to time I'm reminded that this blog is also ministry. I have to keep spreading the Gospel. And there is no gospel that doesn't include forgiveness. And any time we accept forgiveness (which all Believers have) we are obligated to extend grace to others in abundance.
How often? How many times do we forgive those who sin against us? Probably more than you have as you read this. If you're like many people, you have a ways to go. Even if you're into a couple dozen times, you have a ways to go before you come close to the standard set by Christ.
Forgiveness and reconciliation aren't the same thing. One can give and forgive without recommitting to the relationship. Sometimes it is necessary to keep one's distance. But continuing to hold grudges impacts your own business, family life, spiritual life and relationships. You can't continue in health while keeping poison in your system.
And if you tell me it's a process, I'll debate you because I'm not convinced. To the extent it's a process, I think it's mostly a matter of deciding when you're going to stop letting the poison slowly kill you. That's about as much of a process as I'm willing to allow. I think most of the time we call it that to justify why we haven't done it.
I talk about forgiveness a lot, but I understand hurts, pains, dejection and betrayal MUCH MORE than any of you think. MUCH MORE. But I also understand the freedom of forgiveness. It breaks those ties that were chaining you to your past. That's the only way to live. When you live looking back, you doom your own future. Keep hoping and living in expectancy!
Blessings!
