How easy is it to forgive? Not very, eh... When you've been badly hurt by someone; and that knife twists and turns in your mind and heart... anger and a desire to strike back is often the first response you want to make.
But wait! Stop!
The Lord knows that this anger and desire for revenge is a normal reaction to what has happened. What is important though is what happens next.
For now you have a choice. Do I strike back? Or do I subdue that anger and hurt as best I can at that immediate moment and remember...
Remember what we are called to do and be... Despite the hurt and desire to inflict the same on the other, we must try to forgive.
We can't do this on our own, because inside we are at battle with our desire to hurt the other person, and our desire to do what the Lord desires of us. We must believe and trust that God's grace is there for us if we can just ask for it at that moment. That moment when you give this pain and hurt over to the One who heals hearts.
It doesn't mean we will forget what has happened... It may be that we will have to give it over to the Lord again and again in order to finally be at peace...
I really liked the words by Max Lucado. There is much wisdom there. Who wants to live with a heart distorted by anger and hatred of another person. It will affect every action and interaction we have with others. Anger and hatred can alienate us from God, others and ourselves. It will never bring us peace. But God can...
2 comments:
I am right now trying to offer counsel to a friend who has deep hurt and anger towards a sibling, who has treated her wrongly. While I do agree with her that he has done wrong things, I am torn because my knowledge of the situation indicates that he has no remorse, and perhaps is confused at why his actions were hurtful.
How can you be angry at stupid people, who will never learn? This, I think, is one of the harder lessons of forgiveness, the offering or preparedness to offer forgiveness, knowing that it will not be accepted or understood --- and the hateful actions will continue.
These are the times that try men's souls.
She can only do what SHE can do... She is only responsible for HER response to the wrong that was done her. Can't do much about people who don't seem to learn and have no remorse... :)
Thanks for sharing...
pennyante
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