Forgive
At some point in our lives we will get hurt by someone we love. It’s going to happen; it’s just a matter of time. I experienced this not long ago. My heart was wounded and broken by rejection. This wounding was by far one of the hardest things I’ve dealt with in my adult life. Some hurts are easily forgiven and forgotten, while others leave us devastated and resentful. Mine was the latter, at least at first. It made me doubt my self worth, it shook my trust in people, and it left me questioning my faith in a loving God. I mean, why would He allow this to happen to me?
About a year into my healing, He showed me why by reminding me of something I prayed 17 years ago. I recall reading Romans 8:17, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” I even remember being on the treadmill reading a book, crying and praying with a sincere heart, while Alex lay near me on the floor.
I prayed “Lord, I want to share in your sufferings.” Now, I didn’t stop to think what this really meant. I just knew I wanted to love Christ and know him more. He answered my prayer by allowing me to suffer rejection 15 years later. He showed me that as he was rejected by Peter, I was also rejected and hurt by a close friend (Matthew 26:69-75).
I know my situation doesn’t compare to the betrayal of our Savior. What I do know is I’m called to forgive, but forgiveness takes time…sometimes years. It’s a daily chore. One I had to do over and over again because the pain came back over and over again. Every single day. For two years. I wanted repentance, an apology, an “I’m sorry.” God sees this differently.
I read John 21 a few weeks ago and have come to a conclusion. In that passage, Jesus asks Peter three times “do you love me?” Each time Peter responds, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” “Then feed my sheep.” Jesus could’ve pointed out Peter’s past denial of him, but he didn’t. I could’ve told the person how they had hurt me, but what good would it do. God revealed to me that I needed to forget the past and instead press on to what lies ahead (Philippians 3:7-14). What I need to do is love Jesus, do what He’s called me to do, and know that He will take care of the rest.
I read recently that “you truly know you’ve forgiven someone when you only want what’s best for that person.” I can honestly say that’s where I am. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s worth doing it God’s way, which is laid out in Matthew 18:21-35 and Colossians 3:12-14. Jesus commands us to forgive. It’s vital in our Christian walk and has the power to set us free.
I’m proud of you Dani. We are honored to call you our friend.
I second that! True forgiveness is not an easy road. Thank you for the reminder of those verses.
Sis:
Thanks so much for sharing this. So glad that you are in a good place, and enjoying the presence of God. Love ya!
the past and forgiveness have collided often in my life. these are good words, Dani. you have a good heart. thanks for being a hungry, Godly woman.
alan
Dani:
Thank you for sharing this, I too have had to walk the road to forgiveness and found it to be a hard road at times. I am so grateful our Father can so quickly forgive us because of what Jesus did.