Monday, April 10, 2017

Forgiveness

Found this in a paper  'Family Matters' and thought it was something I wanted to keep and share.
Forgiveness is essential. Its the first step in healing.
Forgiveness excuses me so I can move on to healing.
In Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Then you have the freedom to heal.

Forgiveness, healing, freedom, so lovely. So closely connected.
Yet even when we know we are forgiven, forgiveness can seem hard.
We cry, " If you only knew what they did to me!" We say that others don't 'deserve' forgiveness. But once again, Jesus comes to our rescue. He has to, because....

  • Forgiveness doesn't come naturally to us.
  • Sometimes we need His help to even want to forgive.
  • We don't know how to forgive.
  • We're not sure we are forgiven.
Sometimes we hesitate to forgive because we are afraid of what it means. See if this helps....
  • Forgiveness never means what the other person did or said was OK.
  • Forgiveness doesn't nullify your suffering.
  • Forgiveness doesn't mean you must trust the other person immediately, if ever.
  • Forgiveness doesn't mean you must reconcile. Reconciliation isn't always healthy.
Before we make an important decision its always good to weigh the pros and cons
Here are the pros of forgiveness....

  1. Forgiveness is the 'key' that opens the door to the cell where you have stayed locked up in bitterness, anger and hatred.
  2. Forgiveness means you can be free from thinking the same toxic thoughts over and over.
  3. Forgiveness frees you from the burden of trying to get even. It is casting your cares on God, I Peter:5:7 and leaving them in His capable hands.
  4. Forgiveness is your first step on your road to healing.
Here are some of the cons....

Thats right....there are none ....You will never regret forgiving