Forgiveness....

All believers in Christ know this word. The understanding of forgiveness is what ushers us into our eternal love relationship with our Savior. We need forgiveness because we are born flawed with a sinful nature. We are and do things that are not inline with God. Forgiveness from God means that He does not hold against us this condition and the things we do out of step with Him because of our condition. This is so needed, and so appreciated by me. I need it daily.

The verse has come to mind alot recently (and out of my mouth to my kids) Matthew 6:14 that says,

"For if you forgive others their trespasses (their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go and giving up resentment), your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses (their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment), neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses."

This verse hit me in the heart today as I ponder the words and actions of another adult to my child that hurt the child very much. I began to cry as I thought of what I wanted to say to this person the next time I saw the adult but as I did, the Lord gently pryed my resentment out of my hand as I thought of this verse. I wanted to explain, justify, resolve, the situation. But also wanted to correct this person and maybe demean them. Ugghh! If it only our Christian walk was about praying a prayer and acknowleging our sinfulness.....but the above verse requires so much moreof us than that.

It means daily, moment by moment laying down our rights to our opinions and pride that we should correct and police the world and forgive them "because they know not what they do". That was what Jesus said, even as he was in the struggle to give up his own will for the Father's as He paid for this wonderful gift of forgiveness.

I cried as he took my justifiying thoughts from me today. I did pour out my heart and hurt for my own kid, wishing things had gone differently in this situation. I gave my anger and resentment to Him as I felt his heart and concern for this person that did the harm. I prayed for them. I pray I can love when I see them again. They do not know about the pain they caused to my child or me. So, I hope I can respond as God wants me to respond and that it will touch this person.

And this is heart work, not just something we work out only in our heads. When anger comes, then the fear or hurt underneath usually has to be worked out in order for the anger to leave. So many of us are running around just suppressing it. I was glad I stopped to feel and be corrected today in my heart. What a relief. I feel so much better. Forgiveness feels so much better!

Help us to touch and love people, oh Lord, not just always be frustrated. Not my will, but yours Lord.