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Looks can be deceiving. People hide all sorts of hate and unforgiveness cloaked in superficial niceties. In front of you they speak one thing and behind your back they spew loathing remarks, commiserating with friends who join them in their caustic bash. Sadly, the unknown hurt they cause is something to which they’re blind. Unforgiveness can drive a person to the brink of unbridled anger, accusations, and unwarranted behaviors.
Ever been angry at yourself for screaming at the kids, forgetting something at work, arrived late or missed a deadline - and it ruined your entire mood – or day?
Granting forgiveness allows the Holy Spirit to minister healing, however, many people struggle with self forgiveness. When we forgive ourselves for making a mistake, saying a harsh word, or rendering a careless act of selfishness, we experience God’s grace and humility.
To this end, Jesus makes it easy for us to forgive one another and OURSELVES showing us ‘how to’ in the scriptures.
1 John 1:9 “. . . if we confess our faults (sins) he is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
When we tell the Lord “I messed up, made a mistake, I’m sorry.” He’s a just and loving God who instantly forgives us. He’s not some lofty deity sitting upon a heavenly throne wielding a big white bat- ready to beat out an apology from you, or have you grovel at his feet.
Jesus Christ is the God of love, mercy and grace. He shows us how to forgive ourselves, for He is love. By experiencing grace and humility in light of His goodness we recognize our own shortcomings; it’s his tender nudging and redirection which moves us to change.
John 10:10 “. . . I am come that you may have life and have it more abundantly.”
God’s love transforms, meaning, it changes us. He shows us how to let go, to do ‘hard things’ like forgive one another, to experience self-love, acceptance and healing. His love is the kind of love that, when we experience it, it's a healing salve, (the scripture says – the balm of Gilead.)
His love heals and corrects us lovingly, NEVER in a shameful and debasing way.
The bible states in John 3:16, that God so LOVED the world that He gave . . .
Jesus gave his life for you, the ultimate act of love. He also demonstrated forgiveness towards those who judged him, hurt him, and hung him on the cross. Forgiveness does not rubber stamp the wrongful indiscretions of others. But something happens in the heart of a person who freely forgives; they experience an overflowing abundance of mercy and peace.
Jesus forgave others as an example to us of how we should forgive, even ourselves.
One of the saddest biblical examples of unforgiveness is Judas Iscariot, a disciple of Jesus. When he realizes the mistake of his own betrayal, of selling out his 'friend' Jesus, he takes his own life. And while the seriousness of suicide should never be taken lightly, we see the aftermath of situational hate and self-loathing driving Judas' thoughts and actions.
These are truths we know: hopelessness fuels despair, and despair can often drive despondency to the point of no return.
That said, Jesus came to earth to offer himself a one-time sacrifice so that we may experience freedom from despair, and the spirling influence of negative thoughts and behaviors.
He came so that we could experience His forgiveness, to learn how to forgive others, and ourselves.
Dear Reader, today is the day to receive God's Spirit and experience life, peace, and forgiveness. ~ Today is a day to let it go - to forgive yourself: to love yourself again.
*Author's note: This blog post was not written with malice, intent to harm, or undermine anyone who struggles with suicidal thoughts, or those closely familiar with the subject matter of suicide by association of any experience - whether family, work, or social dynamic.*
❤️ Thank you for this. Very powerful.
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