Forgiveness...

Today, I want to talk about Forgiveness... I have always been a person that is quick to forgive when someone wrongs me, but if I am being totally honest, there are some hurtful instances that I still hold onto and haven't seem to be able to let go of yet. Lately, I've been thinking about how much time I spend thinking, talking about and crying over these hurts- basically, I am in an emotional prison, while the other person is living their life.

Lately, I have been thinking about what Jesus went through and how he did nothing wrong to anyone- He healed the blind, made the lame to walk, rose the dead, healed the broken - he went around doing good. Regardless of all of the good things that he did, people still mistreated him- they put him on the cross, put nails through his hand and feet, spit on him, gave him vinegar to drink- and do you know what he did through all of that? Can you believe that he forgave them!! So, today I am letting go and I am forgiving all those who have hurt me and the ones that continue to hurt me, and you know what I am going to do? I am going to turn the other cheek and I am going to pray for them and continue to love them, because that is what Jesus did!

I am not saying it's easy to forgive when someone keeps being unkind, it does take praying (sometimes it takes forgiving them over and over) and sometimes walking away or saying something kind back (if possible). For me, I am just so tired of being angry at those who have hurt me and continue to hurt me- I need to pray for them, because anyone that hurts or belittles others for no reason, they must be hurting or insecure and they need Jesus.

Luke 6: “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.

Who has hurt you that are having a hard time forgiving?