🌸🫶🏻Forgiveness 🫶🏻🌸
Forgiveness is hard.
Especially when you’ve been done wrong.
Theres a million emotions: anger, sadness, bitterness, uncertainty. But these few verses helped me tremendously with forgiving.
When I was 18, I was SA’d by my fiance at the time, whose dad was also a pastor. I was not raised in church, so I was not very knowledgeable with the Bible. He would used God’s Word to get me to do things with him (forcefully, i might add) and if I didnt, he made me feel as if God was mad at me.
I remember talking to God one day and I said “Lord, if this is what it means to be a Christian, I dont want any part of this. This is not love.” And I didnt go back to church or even read the Bible for a year and a half after it happened.
One Sunday morning, i went to church with my now husband and the pastor preached on forgiveness. (Keep in mind, this is the first time ive been to church since being SA’d.) I was like theres no way im forgiving this person, how could i possibly forgive someone who was supposed to love me like Jesus?
I left church that morning balling my eyes out. My husband (who was my boyfriend of only 6 months at the time) was asking me what was wrong and I finally told him what had happened. He was so good about everything and listening to my feelings and for the first time I felt the love of Jesus.
Over the course of the last 5 years, I have learned to forgive him (and others). Its not easy, it can be scary. But God sent His only Son because He loved us enough to forgive our sins. If God forgave me, I need to forgive others. Im called to be like Jesus, to love like Jesus.
If my story can help one person, thats all that matters to me. If you have been through a similar situation and you need someone to talk to, please dont hesitate to dm me (I promise to be a safe space without judgement🫶🏻) or reach out to someone you trust.
#christianlife #christian #forgiveness #embracevulnerability #jesusfollower
Forgiveness can be one of the hardest hurdles to overcome, especially when the inflicted pain is profound. Many struggle with feelings of anger and sadness, particularly when the betrayal comes from those closest to them or those in trusted positions, like religious leaders. The Bible teaches an essential lesson on forgiveness that resonates deeply, as shared in Matthew 18:21-22, wherein Jesus explains that forgiveness must be limitless and forgiving others is a reflection of God's love for us. The emotional journey towards forgiveness isn't straightforward; it often incorporates a range of feelings, from bitterness to uncertainty. Understanding that forgiveness does not mean to condone harmful actions is critical. Rather, it is a process of releasing the hold that past traumas have over us. It's essential to acknowledge our feelings and allow ourselves the grace to heal. Embracing vulnerability, as mentioned in Ephesians 4:32, encourages us to be kind and tenderhearted, reflecting on how God forgives us. Moreover, reaching out to trusted friends or support systems can provide a safe space to talk about our struggles. Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences can foster an environment of healing. Remember, the act of forgiving is not just for the person who wronged us, but also a gift we give ourselves to move forward. This journey can lead not only to personal peace but also to a deeper understanding of love and compassion, aligning with the teachings of Jesus, who calls us to love as He does.
