Forgive and forget

What does it mean to forgive?  Many people think they know but do they really? Has someone in your life hurt you? Abused you? Thought less of you? Have you been taken for granted?  Have you forgiven them?

When you forgive you are supposed to do so as Jesus forgave you. Jesus doesn't remind you of your transgressions.  He doesn't say he won't bless you because of what you did last year, last month, last week. He is not concerned with what you did two minutes ago so long as you have repented and gotten it right.

Jesus has forgiven murderers, adulterers, liars, and the like. He has not only forgiven them, he has called them to walk along side him. He has called them to greatness. Their past transgressions have not only been forgiven they have been forgotten.

Can we as a people truly forgive the way thay Jesus forgave us? Is it possible? You say you have been hurt. You say you have been lied to, cheated on, beat, abused, talked down to. Can you forgive? God says to forgive your brothers so that He may forgive you. Can you forgive?

Some people forgive only with their mind. They think they have forgiven, they think they are over the past, they think they are ready to move forward. Then the next time they let their emotions take over they remember that hurt,  they remember their past and it is as if they are freshly hurt. It is as if that action that was forgiven is happening anew.

If you are ready to forgive you have to do so with your mind, your heart, your soul.  Forgive as Jesus forgave those who came against Him. Pray for those who hurt you. Pray that God will have mercy, pray that God will teach them the err of their ways. That is not an easy lesson to learn and it is definitely not a lesson for you to teach. Pray that God forgive you for harboring ill feelings for that person who hurt you. Pray that He give them peace of mind.

Often times those who have caused pain are hurting more than those who have been hurt. They deal with shame and guilt as well as the pain of hurting others. They pray for Gods forgiveness but often times they can't forgive themselves. Know that God has forgiven you. Know that your past transgressions are not future downfalls. When you have faith in a God who saves, a God who loves, a God who forgives, you will find peace. You will find joy. You will find all of the blessings that God has for you.  God has not forsaken you. God has not left you. He is waiting with open arms for you to come running back to him.  Run soldier... run the right way.

Father God I thank you that you have forgiven me. I thank you that you have given me the ability to forgive those who have come against me and I pray that you bless them abundantly for helping me grow my character, and grow in my walk with you. I thank you for touching those who read this who may have issues with unforgivness.  Remind then of your love and mercy. Remind them of the joy and peace that comes when we reside with you. In Jesus name, amen.

A tearful smile is still a smile...