Hurt is painful. Enduring pain from previous hurts can inflict internal scars that may never be forgotten. Often this suffering causes us to desire justice, or even is some cases revenge. However, while we may never forget the pain that others inflict on us, how do we forgive? It seems as if the first step is to make the choice to forgive. Then, it must be an outward thought that lifts off our tongue and into the midst of the world around us. The peace that resonates after the debt of others is released is soothing to the soul, but does forgiveness end here?
If anyone has faced authentic body, mind, and soul forgiveness, it would be safe to say that this road is one of many adversities and trials that does not end with one outward statement of “I forgive.” No, just as a decision to follow Christ is not one made in a singular statement, or even in a moment of realization that one needs a Savior in this life. It is a commitment that takes many forward choices that transform and define the character, morality, and heart of who we are as a person. Fortunately, as a Christian, we understand the brokenness of our flesh and that we are not capable of perfection. Our Father understands this too, as this is why He sent Christ as our Savior and Intercessor. However, as Christians, we commit to standing up when we fall, staying in the Word, and vowing to an everlasting relationship of growth with our Heavenly Father. Nevertheless, it is only through Christ that we are able to genuinely overcome the brokenness within ourselves, others, and this world.
Furthermore, choosing to following Christ does not end with a decision, it starts with a new beginning. A beginning that enables us to come out of ourselves and learn to love someone else that thoroughly loves us in return. This symbiotic relationship builds a sense of trust that allows us to be a vessel that extends His love into the world of hurt and brokenness that surrounds us. However, when we grasp the debt that we feel others owe us, and stay in a state of unforgiveness, we close a door within us and do not allow Christ to demonstrate His forgiveness in and through us for the world; thus, causing internal and external destruction, and ultimately, giving a foothold to the Enemy through our lives.
Genuine forgiveness is not easy and it is not an autonomous decision, as hurts can be reactivated when offenses come against us; especially, if those offenses are repeated and unrepented. Consequently, forgiveness is something we need help in activating and achieving on a moment-to-moment basis. However, the joy that comes from being released from this bondage saves us from internal imprisonment. Forgiveness is not only a commitment that releases us from bondage, but from an inner poison that not only slowly strangles the life from of ourselves, but also the people we love most. Innately, the result of unforgiveness is destruction, whether a person is a Christian or not. However, through Christ we have the strength to overcome the abandonments, hurts, and pains of this world.
While we can exhaust ourselves in trying to understand the destructive forces that are against us within and without in this life, we must come to accept that we cannot grasp the infinite understanding of our Creator; that the complexities of our lives and the innate perfect design that has been infected with sin are unfathomable. However, we can choose to trust The Father and commit to a covenant marriage with Jesus Christ, as He is the bridegroom. Nevertheless, marriage is a life-long commitment that does not end with I do. It is a beautiful relationship that flourishes and develops over time, and it is through investing love into one another that we become the best versions of ourselves that we can be in this life. Our marriage to Christ is no different, as we surrender our hearts to Him and He transforms us into a new and beautiful creation. A creation that is able to rightly exemplify and spread His love to those around us.
Today, with Christ, I choose forgiveness. Today, I choose to honor my marriage commitment to Jesus, and that commitment is to forgive those that have hurt me, to surrender to the Word, and share His love with a world that desperately needs Him.
Thank you for keeping up with our journey with the Lord. Please feel free to email me with any prayer requests.
With Love,
Brandi
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses,” (Mark 11:52, KJV).
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you,” (Ephesians 4:31-32, KJV).
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen,” (Matthew 6:9-13, KJV).
Moving By Faith 