Forgiveness

Harsh words were exchanged between the two of us that caused a enormous rift in our relationship.  Unfortunately We couldn't escape each other, in fact we were living together in a house on the other side of the world.  Once I returned home to the States, I didn't even bother to keep in touch with her. But God was working on our hearts.  Two years later I saw her, we confessed one to another the hurt and pain we had caused to each other.  In fact, we even went a step further.  We washed one another feet.  Forgiveness restored our friendship.

"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."  Ephesians 4:32

"And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcised of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross." Colossians 2:13-14

"True forgiveness means not only that we relieve others of the transgressions they’ve committed against us, but also that we relieve ourselves of the resentment we’ve held against them. Then we change. Without change on our part toward those who wrong us, forgiveness is mere lip service."1 

"Forgiveness brings freedom. It releases you from the power and control you had allowed the offending person to have over you. It allows you freedom from the past patterns of bitterness and hurt that permeated your relationships with others. As we let go of grudges it gives us peace of mind and a healthier way of relating to others—and it makes us more understanding of those around us.

God expects His followers to demonstrate a spirit of forgiveness, but, as with everything else, He does not force His will upon us. He gives us freedom of choice."2 


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1  The Relief of Forgiveness, Jimmy Phillips, Adventist Review

2 To Forgive or Not To Forgive? Karen Green, Adventist review