Extraordinary Forgiveness
Forgiveness is the anecdote to a wounded soul. But how do we get there when we are so hurt? The way of the world is to shame those who wound us, to try to get “justice”, thinking it will validate the harm we’ve been put through, but this is only a mirage. Man’s justice and condemnation never bring true healing or life. It simply digs us deeper into the pit of wounding.
When we are wounded, we tend to react with resistance. Pain causes us to attempt to protect ourselves, harden our hearts and defend ourselves. In this place, we are stuck in our own pain, ever re-litigating the harm done to us. It is as if we are on a loop of re-experiencing the harm over and over in our minds. This causes even more harm.
The concept of forgiveness goes against the flesh. The flesh [as well as the law] requires that if you take an eye, your eye must be taken. Forgiveness stops the harm altogether.
However, I know as well as anybody, that knowing forgiveness is the medicine I need when I am wounded does not automatically produce genuine forgiveness for the person who caused me such great suffering.
Accessing the healing balm of forgiveness comes through a measure of humility. Humility enables us to put down our resistance and place our full attention on Jesus. His extraordinary show of love for us was evident by His forgiving EVERY harm we have done or ever will do. Our paradigm of hurt transforms as we fully consider the effect of Jesus’ forgiveness on us. We are filled with gratitude and often feel compelled to extend that same love to the person who harmed us.
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you.” (Colossians 3:13)
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.”(Romans 12:17)
Have a wonderful day, Friend! May you fully experience the healing benefits of God’s extraordinary forgiveness and love for you.