Forgiving Is Hard But Not Impossible

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.  Galatians 5:1

There is a complete laundry list of things where my brain screams, “Unforgivable!” – I bet you have one too.  The bible says we must forgive as He forgave us.  Yet, my flesh tugs at my lips to say, “NO!“

How can we possibly forgive someone of a heinous crime?  Is that humanly possible?

I’ve seen the Oprah shows where the guest has forgiven the murderer of their child or another who has committed some other horrible act against them or their family.  Instantly I find my gut wrench and a guttural grunt escapes hearing these stories.  How can this be humanly possible?

Would I be able to forgive someone if they took my child’s life?  If my husband cheated or left us?  Can I forgive myself for not being the best mom to my kids?

The human answer is often no.  God’s answer is always yes.

So how do we move towards God’s yes and away from our own no?  Can we compromise on this?  I don’t believe so.

We can forgive.  It may not be our first instinct.  Our physical body may protest.  Who will we choose to obey?  Our flesh which is deceitful or God who always keeps his promises?

The secret?  Practice.  Each day we may be required to choose to forgive.  Yes, everyday.  We’re required to take up our cross everyday and follow Him.  Every. Single. Day. Sounds exhausting doesn’t it?

Jesus said His burden is light. Is your burden light?  Perhaps it’s because you are carrying your junk around instead of allowing Christ to have it.

I can see your cross right now.  It’s covered in gunk, totally unrecognizable at this point that it’s even a cross.  Can you even find the cross under all that stuff?  I bet you can’t even lift it; it’s far too heavy.

Why are you hauling all that around still?  Jesus instructed you to trade him for a lighter version but instead you replied, “Nah, I got this one Jesus.  Thanks though.“

Why?  Why can’t you put it down?  Why do you insist on punishing yourself?

Which is the more powerful in your life?  Your guilt? Anger? Betrayal? Shame? Sadness? Grief?  Or is it Christ?  Have you put your burdens and hurts above Him? Do you want to change that? Are you afraid to change?

Your assignments today are to sit down and think about who you need to forgive and write it down. Then I want you to pray about forgiving.

I have added a form below so that you can share your burdens with me. This is a google doc and will NOT publish to this site. All entries on this form are completely anonymous.

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

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Blessings,

 

Updated 1/10/2014