First, I think everyone should find something that challenges them to think, actually exercise your brain. Bible study always does this for me.
This week (along with many other things), I took away this little gem from Pastor Jen and have been thinking about it for a while now: Forgive, but accept!
I think sometimes we believe that if we forgive someone fully, that along with that forgiveness should come the restoration of the relationship. Once we truly forgive, that things should go back to how things were before the stone was thrown, the word was said, the occasion was missed, or the time was gone.
Sometimes that isn't possible. Sometimes there is too much pain, sometimes the stone is at the very bottom of the deepest ocean and can't be found, not even with scuba gear! Sometimes the time runs out.
Forgiveness is POWERFUL! Jesus died the cruelest death during his time in the flesh, a death of execution on the cross, so that we are offered forgiveness. Powerful stuff! I ask for forgiveness of my sins often. I try to remember to say "I'm sorry" even when it's hard to say because forgiveness is powerful.
But sometimes even after we offer and/or accept forgiveness, we need to also accept the things that we can't change.
Even if we have truly forgiven, let go of all of the negative dung in our heart, sometimes we just need to accept the new relationship for what it is.
Maybe the friend that used to finish your sentences will only ever be that...a friend that used to finish your sentences.
Maybe your relative used to be your confidant, but now they are simply your relative.
Maybe even though you want the relationship to be restored to "before" it just can't be. Not because there is any hate left, just because it will never be the same.
Forgive, but accept.
This week (along with many other things), I took away this little gem from Pastor Jen and have been thinking about it for a while now: Forgive, but accept!
I think sometimes we believe that if we forgive someone fully, that along with that forgiveness should come the restoration of the relationship. Once we truly forgive, that things should go back to how things were before the stone was thrown, the word was said, the occasion was missed, or the time was gone.
Sometimes that isn't possible. Sometimes there is too much pain, sometimes the stone is at the very bottom of the deepest ocean and can't be found, not even with scuba gear! Sometimes the time runs out.
Forgiveness is POWERFUL! Jesus died the cruelest death during his time in the flesh, a death of execution on the cross, so that we are offered forgiveness. Powerful stuff! I ask for forgiveness of my sins often. I try to remember to say "I'm sorry" even when it's hard to say because forgiveness is powerful.
But sometimes even after we offer and/or accept forgiveness, we need to also accept the things that we can't change.
Even if we have truly forgiven, let go of all of the negative dung in our heart, sometimes we just need to accept the new relationship for what it is.
Maybe the friend that used to finish your sentences will only ever be that...a friend that used to finish your sentences.
Maybe your relative used to be your confidant, but now they are simply your relative.
Maybe even though you want the relationship to be restored to "before" it just can't be. Not because there is any hate left, just because it will never be the same.
Forgive, but accept.
That was really insightful, Laura. Thanks for this.
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