Forgiveness Can Feel Like A One-Sided Gift

                                                     When The Door Slams 

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.                                                      Ephesians 4:31-32                           

        

        Whom do we spend the most time thinking about? Those we love? Maybe, but there is another group of people with equal or greater access to our thinking. Many will think about them every day. Who are those who have hurt us.

        We will replay their misdeeds over and over again. The more we think about them, the angrier we will get. The angrier we get, the more hurt we feel. The more hurt we feel, the more blame we place on the offender. In some cases, unforgiven offenses will consume the majority of our thoughts. 

        Forgiveness is something you can give even when there is no apology-even when the offender never asks-but forgiveness can feel like a one-sided gift

        Think about this: On the other hand, forgiveness do not mean an automatic renewal of friendship or trust. You can forgive an offense, but if the offender does not change his or her behavior, they may be forgiven but not trusted. In certain cases, it may be wise to keep your distance from some offenders who may be quick to reapply the hurt, because of foolish and disobedience to the Word of The LORD God.

        Humans are incapable of forgetting the hurt inflicted by others. Thankfully, God forgets every sin that we confess and removers it from us "as far as the sunrise is from the sunset" (Psalm 103:12). We should forgive as God forgave us so as to prevent a "bitter root" from springing up in our hearts (Hebrews 12:15). A renewed relationship will depend on the truth of both the forgiver and the forgiven. The heart is deceitful above all things. Are you willing to let go of the offenses you have been holding on to?

Confession: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones (Proverbs 3:5-8). All a man's ways are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weight the motives (Proverbs 16:2). 

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness. 

                                                        Never Rest Ministries