Forgiveness
Does forgiveness really exist? Can you forgive and forget? Can you only forgive but never forget? There are so many different versions, expectations and levels of forgiveness with individuals. First and foremost forgiveness is a very challenging and hard thing to do regardless of who you are. When you talk about forgiveness most people love to quote scriptures from the bible but in actuality most people will never forgive even though there are over 30 scriptures in the bible about forgiveness we still fail to forgive.
I will be the first to admit forgiveness is a process especially if the betrayal, lie, rejection or whatever it is is deep rooted meaning over years and years of hurt and pain. Yes it will eventually happen but for some people it takes time, effort and a lot of prayer and counseling. As a people Christian or not we hold on to stuff we hold bitterness, hate, and rejection, sometimes people find it easier to hold on to anger rather than let it go. If you can be mad and upset with a person and never have to acknowledge them and deal with the issue it might seem like it is working perfectly fine for you but it really isn't. It's always better to forgive, but it's not always easy to forgive.
I remember certain seasons of my life I had to go through the process of forgiveness. I had to start with forgiving myself and letting myself off the hook. I had to forgive myself for thinking that it was my fault I deserved it and I allowed it and all of that was a long process. I went to counseling which was a great blessing. With God, counseling, and prayer I was eventually able to forgive, forget, and let go with peace.
When someone intentionally hurts you or deceive or betray you it cuts pretty deep and those wounds never heal and they harbor a lot of mixed emotions and anger which leads to UN forgiveness and hate. For some people it's easy to forgive but for others not so easy, but it is possible and you can definitely forgive with God, faith, prayer, and counseling.
You have to start somewhere and when you start with God he will do the rest and before you know it sadness will turn to joy, hate will turn to love, and you will forgive with a sincere heart and you will and can let it go.
Just because you forgive someone does not mean that you have to be there best friend or go out to dinner with them. Forgiveness is about you and your heart and inner peace within. You can forgive and wish them the best from far away but at least your heart and mind are clear.
Take the first step and talk to God about your situation and be totally transparent with him and before you know it he will start to remove the layers of hurt, pain, bitterness, anger and he will start to restore you , but you have to ask first just talk to God he is waiting, ready and willing and able to bless you and restore you beyond anything you could ever ask or think. God will even remove them from your memory because GOD is a miracle worker and he does great things for his children and he loves his children unconditionally. Trust GOD and Trust the process.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
True Confessions Of A Christian
