I read a great article the other day talking about forgiveness. I thought it was a great article and explained what forgiveness is not which I think we all can struggle with at times. So, here is my re-cap.
1. Forgiveness is not a feeling. Forgiveness is an act of obedience to God.
2. Forgiveness is not pretending you were not hurt. It is ok to recognize and feel hurt.
3. Forgiveness is not condoning what the person did to you. Forgiving releases the wrongdoer from the debt they owe you and releases you from the bitterness.
4. Forgiveness is not trusting the offender. Trust is not an automatic right of the offender. However, a truely repentant person will earn your trust again, eventually.
5. Forgiveness is not relieving the person of responsibility. It is not unloving to hold someone accountable.
Forgiveness is rarely a one-time event. The best way to step toward forgiveness is to admit that you need to forgive.
1. Forgiveness is not a feeling. Forgiveness is an act of obedience to God.
2. Forgiveness is not pretending you were not hurt. It is ok to recognize and feel hurt.
3. Forgiveness is not condoning what the person did to you. Forgiving releases the wrongdoer from the debt they owe you and releases you from the bitterness.
4. Forgiveness is not trusting the offender. Trust is not an automatic right of the offender. However, a truely repentant person will earn your trust again, eventually.
5. Forgiveness is not relieving the person of responsibility. It is not unloving to hold someone accountable.
Forgiveness is rarely a one-time event. The best way to step toward forgiveness is to admit that you need to forgive.
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