“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:25
bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:13
Wow! Those are hard words, aren’t they?
Whether in business, in church, or in family — relationships can cause pain and separation.
It’s tempting to get even. Holding a grudge is easier. Our first reaction is not always to forgive.
But forgiveness is not an option for the believer — even for the person who has hurt us the most.
And, there is another wow moment — especially if you know it applies to you.
Even with the importance the Bible places on forgiveness I frequently hear people give excuses for not forgiving someone. Things such as:
“You can forgive but you can’t forget.” And, that’s most often true. Only God (and sometimes time and old age) can erase a memory.
“I’ve tried to forgive them, but they haven’t changed.” This may be true also. Forgiveness can be a catalyst for change, but it doesn’t guarantee change. And, I don’t seem to read those qualifiers in the commands to forgive.
“I may have forgiven them, but I’ll always hold it against them.” Okay, while it may sound logical, it’s not really forgiveness. Sorry, to be so blunt.
Forgiveness is a releasing of emotional guilt you place upon the other person. It’s a choice. It happens in the heart. It’s not a release of responsibility or an absence of healthy boundaries. It doesn’t even mean justice — legal or eventual is removed from the situation. It is, however, a conscious choice to remove the right to get even from the person who injured you. It’s a release of anger and any bitterness or grudge.
Plain and simple, forgiveness is hard.
I was talking with someone who wants to forgive the person who has hurt her the most. She wants to be free from the guilt of holding a grudge. She wants to follow the example of Christ in Biblical obedience. The problem? She’s not sure she has truly forgiven, because she still hurts from the injury.
I shared with her that while forgiveness is a decision — a choice — it is not an automatic healer of emotions. It helps, but emotions heal over time. Then I shared some ways she could determine if she’s truly forgiven the other person.
Here are 5 ways to tell if you’ve forgiven someone:
The first thought test.
When the first thought you have about them is not the injury they caused in your life you have probably extended forgiveness. You should be able to have normal thoughts about the person occasionally. Remember, you are dropping the right to get even — the grudge you held against them.
An opportunity to help them test.
Ask yourself: Would you help them if you knew they were in trouble and you had the ability? Most likely this is someone you once cared about — perhaps even loved. You would have assisted them if they needed help at one point. While I’m not suggesting you would subject yourself to abuse or further harm, or that you are obligated to help them, or even you should, but would you in your heart want to see them prosper or would you still want to see them come to harm? This is a huge test of forgiveness.
Your general thoughts test.
Can you think positive thoughts about this person? Again, you’ve likely been on positive terms with this person or in a close enough relationship for them to injure you to this extreme. Is there anything good you can come up with about them which is even remotely good? If not, have your really forgiven them?
The revenge test.
Do you still think of getting even with the person? There may be consequences which need to come for this person and you may have to see them through to protect others, but does your heart want to hurt them? If so, would you call this forgiveness?
The failure test.
When someone injures us we can often wish harm upon them. This is normal, but it’s not part of the forgiveness process. Have you have stopped looking for them to fail? If you have truly forgiven someone, then just like you would for anyone else, you would want them to succeed or at least do better in life. Forgiveness means you’ve stopped keeping a record of the person’s wrongs. That’s how believers respond to others. We consider their best interests.
I realize this is a tough list. Those struggling with forgiveness will most likely push back against it a bit. I know this, however, for your heart to completely heal, you eventually need to forgive the one who hurt you the most.
And, if you’re struggling to “pass the test” don’t beat yourself up. Pray about it. Ask God to continue to work on your heart.
Have you seen a lack of forgiveness keep someone from moving forward in life?
What would you add to my list?
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I have a question about forgiveness. If a betrayed spouse has evidence of the wayward spouse’s cheating, and the betrayed spouse does not read the evidence or disclose it, then moving forward to forgiving the wayward spouse, could it be said that it was a form of baiting the wayward spouse if the betrayed spouse doesn’t get the response they want? They create another point of arguing and threatening to divorce and using the fact that they had the information and only read it after they didn’t like the first answer?
These type situations have many layers to them which make it impossible to answer specifically. But your question sounds like a reasonable conclusion.
Hi my name is Sonia
I have forgiven them , but how do I heal , it hurt so much in my heart sometimes that I start to feel real pain , I just want heal
Hi Ron. My name is owen. Some weeks ago some i loved so much hurt my feelings, but that didnt change my feelings for her. i forgave her.atleast i thought i did till yesterday i saw simething related to the issue that gave me the impression that there was something she did not tell me. I really want to forgive her with all my heart and move on but i honestly dont know how to. At times i feel like i am ok and that i have let the issue go but today i realise that i havent forgiven her fully even though i thought i did. What should i do to prove to her that i have forgiven her fully n what can i do to forgive her with all my heart?
Forgiveness is a choice we make. Sometimes we make it instantly and other times it is occurs in stages. Trust is developed over time and experience. I don’t know that you can “prove” forgiveness or whatever is in your heart apart from a consistent pattern of displaying an openness and kindness to them.
I served in a church for 21 years before leaving for another place of service. There is a member in that church who from the very first day I began my ministry, never said one kind word to me. On one particular Sunday, I happened to pass this woman in a hallway. I’d had enough of her snobbiness and coldness. As we passed, neither one of us said a word. At that moment, I realized a very deep and dark resentment was evident. Later that week, I was traveling home from an out-of-town engagement. The Holy Spirit strongly urged me to approach her and apologize. As hard as it was to do so, I eventually did so. She did not respond in kind. I did feel some semblance of release. However, to this day, even though I don’t feel resentment, I don’t feel I have a loving attitude toward her. Is this natural? If so or not, does this mean I must confront her again? Have I truly forgiven her for the pain she caused me for 21 years?
Jeff, only you and God can wrestle through if you’ve truly forgiven her. Sometimes we protect ourselves from further hurt or abuse. That’s not always a lack of forgiveness. Jesus told us to pray for our enemies. I would probably ask myself – could I do that? Could I genuinely pray for her? If there was a known need in her life, would I whisper a prayer for God to meet her need?
What if I can pass these tests but I’m still bitter and angry about what happened? How can I let go of that?
I don’t think of it every time I see or speak to the person but when I do think of it, it makes me so angry and even tho I don’t wish any harm on her, I have a bitterness about our interactions. I can’t trust her anymore so sometimes it seems hard to tell the difference between me being careful and me being bitter/angry. I don’t know what to do with these feelings or how to let them go.
I don’t get why we should pray for God to richly reward someone who has bad things. At least I could understand it more if it were someone who had been in one’s life and there was more to the relationship than what needed forgiving. Though what about when the person who did the wrong was not even a friend and practically a stranger and did what they did – and caused a great deal of harm – for no good reason other than personal entertainment or because they could? Should we really pray for them to be richly rewarded? Does the Bible say this. Thank you in advance for your response.
I don’t know that you have to pray for God to “richly reward someone who has (done) bad things”. I’m not sure Scripture tells us exactly the list of things to pray for them. Forgiveness though certainly gives us the ability to pray for them. Jesus said in Matthew 5:44 “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” Maybe praying they will be confronted with their wrong, turn from their sin and make things right with those around them. Maybe pray for their soul – more than for the things they will get or not get here on earth. Just a thought.
I am in a bad spot. My kids dad has been very successful with hurting me to no point of return for me. He has taken my kids from me and turned them against me. Parental alienation. My whole life was destroyed by lies. Yes the courts believed him even tho all my tests were negative. He used the fact that I was in a domestic violence relationship against me To the fullest. Didn’t even try to help me. He did everything in his power to take the only 2 people that meant everything to me away. I went from supporting my children, living in a really nice neighbor hood in Huntington Beach, had a good car and an excellent job. To one day… (cps was involved due to the dv case but my kids dad did and said everything he could to them to get my kids) cps called me, I went to their office with my kids and left alone. Omg never would I wish that on anyone. My kids my life… the reason I breath has been taken away. They ordered me to take all kinds of classes which I did. The whole time I was in communication with my kids not knowing that their dad was talking down about me till one day they didn’t want to talk to me or see me. In 2013 in this event this is what I lost… my kids, my job, my car and my house. I lost my life. I was a very loving mother and the best mom I could be and I have had that taken from me. My heart hurts everyday and it seems to be getting worse. It’s been years now . I don’t have money to pay for an attorney and I feel I can’t do it alone. I don’t want to do the court thing I’m so over it I just want my babies to love me again. But how? He has always given them the voice to tell me no he never told them they had to see me. Their dad isn’t acting as a parent otherwise this would of never happened. I don’t know what to do. Bible says to not seek revenge even in a legal way but what do I do.? My pain is so bad, I’m so empty, lost and hopeless. My daughter is now 18 and just graduated hs. She told me she didn’t even want me at her graduated. I missed what I’ve always wanted to be there for. My son is going to be 13. He and I were always close. I thought maybe the love that I gave him and the closeness that he and I shared would be stronger and override the brain washing from their dad but it’s not. I can’t live much longer with this pain I have inside. I want to forgive their father and if it came down to him needing help and I was the only one, yes I would help I would help for my kids because their father hurting is something I wouldn’t want to happen because I wouldn’t want to see my kids hurt. They love him. I have not been back to court because my kids asked me not too. I do everything they ask because I love them so much. But my kids dad is hurting me every single day. What can I do? If anyone has any ideas please tell me. Thank you for letting me get some of my pain out. It’s balled up and I hurt.
Hi Danielle-
I’m so sorry for your pain. What you’ve gone through, and continue to go through is unspeakable, and so rightfully painful. I have not lost as much as you, but did feel very hurt, angry, and in so much despair, depression and had given up on life. After an abrupt ending of a 7-year relationship, he fell out of love with me, but I still loved him. I spent 2 years trying to heal from it, but was not able to very much. Through lots of watching You-Tube videos, reading self help books, and seeking out God, I started doing the following 3 things, and literally they have changed my life. I can now truly say that I have forgiven EVERYONE in my life, and I am 54 so the list was long. Ha. Here are the 3 things:
1. Prayer journal. I write in this every day upon waking up. I write down all the things I wish to happen in my life. Every single thing. Every day.
2. Get on my knees and pray out loud. Literally. On my knees. I don’t know why, but for me, this has so much more impact than a mental thought prayer. I pray for all the things on my list that I just completed, and then anything else that pops into my head. At the end of my prayer, I thank God for answering my prayers, because I’m expecting them to be answered (even if deep down you don’t expect it, say it anyway. Words have power.)
3. Gratitude journal. I write in this every night. At least 5 things, according to Oprah. I felt compelled to keep a gratitude journal, and then later on found out that Oprah did this daily and has for many, many years. Like 20 years or something. I write down everything I’m grateful for that happened throughout the day, or things I think of that day, that happened in the past, but have just come to mind. They can be very simple, like having the money to pay for a nice meal out. Or, a compliment you received from someone. Or, you had some happy moments. Or, your health. Or, the home you live in and how you enjoy it. Write down as many things as you can think of that you are truly appreciate of. It makes you realize you are blessed in many ways. It also helps you have a positive perspective on life and to start to believe in life again.
So, on my prayer list, I wrote down that I wanted to forgive my ex. I no longer wanted to hate him, despise him, wish him ill will, have him occupy all my waking thoughts every day. I wanted to move on. He was on my prayer list quite frequently! One day, It just hit me, a reminder of some of the really nice things he had done for me in the past that were still impacting me. He had given me the car we shared during our relationship, and he was letting me live in our old house rent free (rentals pay the mortgage). Instead of thinking, “I deserve those things after what he did to me,” which is what I had thought for the last 2 years, instead, it made me cry and feel very blessed and grateful to him. I actually thanked him in my mind. It made me realize he wasn’t a bad person even though he had done bad things at the end of our relationship like cheating and such. I realized at that moment, I had truly forgiven him. After that, I started working on the rest of the people in my life and in my past I needed to forgive. I also asked God to forgive me for my own wrongdoings, as none of us are void of this.
I look forward to writing in my journals. I try to do it every day. It only takes 15-30 minutes, depending on how much you write. In the beginning it will take much less time as most likely the lists will be shorter. It’s hard to find things to be grateful for initially. It’s literally changed my life, not only changing my outlook and perspective, but also, miracles have happened as my prayers have come true. I really hope this helps you! xoxo
Hi Danielle,
I’m so sorry that you had to go through this situation. Having your children taken away is definitely something that no mother would ever want to experience. My heart truly goes out to you. After reading your post, I can definitely sense that you have a high level of love for your children.
I’m not sure if you are aware of or realise it or not, but it seems that you may have unintentionally made your children an idol. In your post you made statements that said “my kids are my life…the reason that I breathe ” and that without them “I’m so empty, lost and hopeless”.
Although now a days we may not bow down and worship a golden calf like they did in the old biblical days…idolatry is when we go to, reverence, love, serve or look to any person, place or thing for fulfillment more than God. Deuteronomy 32:21, Exodus 20:5, Exodus 34:14 and many other scriptures talk about how God is a jealous God. As a Christian, it is God who is the reason why we breathe and wake up each morning, it is God who has the power to change things around and with God you should never be empty, lost and hopeless because of something being taken away.
One of the key indicators of identifying idols in our live is by asking ourselves if something (whether it be a person, place or thing) was removed from my life…would i still be able to praise God? Or would my whole world come crashing down and cause me to feel like I have no more reason to live?
Look at the story of Job. He had it all. But in the midst of his test, he lost all. Not only did he lose all of his children, he lost his his wealth, property, and had declining health. But that didn’t stop Job from worshipping God and keeping his focus on Him. The bible says in Job 1:22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.
My sister, I really feel like God is trying to get your attention and have a close relationship with you. Sometimes he allows unfortunate things to happen in our lives to draw us closer to him. Think about it… if all of your attention, time and energy is being directed towards your children…where does God fit in?
The bible says in Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. I honestly believe that if you start seeking God, trusting in His word, obeying His word and trying to live a life that is pleasing to God…All these things (including your children) will be added to you.
I pray Philippians 4: 6-7 over you that you do not be anxious about your situation or what was taken but through prayer, supplication with thanksgiving that you make your request of having your children restored back to you to be made known to God and that he will give you the peace that you need which surpasses all understanding to guard your heart and your mind through Christ Jesus.
I know that your children are a part of you and it may hurt not to have them in your life but if you stay focused on God and fulfilling His will for your life, I know that he will work things out for you. God has the power to restore relationships and do exceedingly, abundantly and above all that we could ask or think… so take care my sister and please seek the Lord Jesus Christ.
I think one thing that could be added is if you can resist the urge of saying anything negative about them, especially in front of any persons who might be hurt by the remarks, like children (young or old) from a divorce situation. That can be so tempting, especially when you see the person setting others up for a potential hurtful situation. The person at whom the remark is aimed is not even there to hear it, so the only one it is "helping" is you–to get something off your chest. But the harm it does to the children or others who still have a good relationship with that person is far more damaging than the "good feeling" you get from saying it. We have to remember that the children have the DNA of both parents and often feel that whatever you feel for the other (offending) parent, you may feel for them since they are half of each of you! It's very difficult and I often fail, but I try so hard not to say anything.
My problem is, how unfair it all feels. This person has hurt me terribly, and now I have the burden of forgiving them, along with the burden of trying to forget the harm, the betrayal, the loss of trust they've caused me. I mean, I want to forgive them – but I can't get past the inherent unfairness of it all. That being said… I actually passed most of the forgiveness test. But partial forgiveness is about as good as being halfway committed. It's all or nothing when it comes to forgiveness. So at the end of the day, I've gotten no where. Ironically, I'm the one left feeling guilty about the situation (for not forgiving it)….. Not fair.
Forgiveness is not a burden. Like so many things God models for us in His Word, forgiveness is a tool made available to us by God, a tool that leads us back to the arms of Grace, and the remembrance of what Jesus did for us. It is the remembrance of Christ on the Cross that overwhelms the remembrance of our own pain, and enables us to do the impossible through Him. Hebrews 12:3 puts it this way…”Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
I have said almost these same words myself. It has been difficult to excuse the harm done to me because most of it was done by strangers, so it’s not like I could offset it against the good it did me. Although I guess it did help me in a way to learn not to care about what people say and do, because they do evil, that’s what they do. We should not let it hurt us more than it needs to. If some stranger can take away your peace, then it’s not a secure peace. Even though it seems harsh and difficult to have to forgive horrendous things done to us, I think God only means this for our good, and also turns the bad into good. If we carry around the hurt done to us through unforgiveness we are not free, and whoever hurt us – and oftentimes it’s demons working through them to steal kill and destroy – is able to continue to hurt us long after it should have been healed. God does not want this for us, to walk around with fear of what man can do to us, and accompanying hurt and bitterness. We can find freedom in Jesus, because if He could forgive what was done to Him, even though He was 100% innocent – which we are absolutely are not – then surely with the help of God we can find it in our hearts to forgive what was done to us? That doesn’t mean they didn’t do anything wrong, or that they didn’t hurt us, or anything, other than we have forgiven them as God has forgiven us. It doesn’t mean they will get away with all the wrong they have done, only let it go and have faith enough to hand it over to God who is just and knows everything, when there is so much we don’t know. As now we see through a glass darkly.
Good morning Danielle,
I know exactly how you feel forgiving Is not for you to forgive them I had to learn the hard way you have to forgive yourself and once you know how to do that the pain will go away And get on your knees and pray everyday and nught whatever it takes prayer ,grace is there just keep praying and watch how God make things turn around for y’all Include him as well; but you have to start with yourself 1st And it takes time Nothing happens overnight it takes time to build a relationship with God and Put all your trust in him and your faith, Only Jesus can heal your heart Once the anger goes away you feel so much better promise you.. For me myself I was once in the same spot I lost all faith myself I was homeless didn’t have to be but I let my mind destroyed me I was so embarrassed that I was saying it couldn’t be me I’m beautiful why will he I’m smart I’m intelligent I felt like it that point in my life I took my world down And trust me I was a faithful Christian And I said why God let this happen to me I realize he wasn’t for me and he wasn’t what God gave me Now I am divorce I am in a better place Spiritually and mentally day-by-day I’m making it thank you Jesus .Be bless I’m keeping you, your family in my prayers
A few years ago, I was in a VERY difficult situation. My mother was dying of pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, my then girlfriend and I had been having problems between us too. Well, the relationship ended terribly because of some very “unforgivable” words she said. (For 6 years, she had left behind a dress in my family home. My mom had made this dress for her. It was, supposedly, a very tender moment they had shared together. I felt happy they could bond, because my mother was an old school type of person and this girl was very modern and liberal.) As it turned out, I brought the dress to the attention of my then girlfriend, hoping she would take it back, a sort of a kind gesture to make a dying person feel good about themselves. It backfired. Badly. She spoke so out of context about the dress and my mother (she said – “I don’t want anything that reminds me of your f*cking mother”) and that it took every ounce of my being to NOT react violently towards her. This girl referred to me as a “f*cking c*nt” on top of all of it – it was as if it wasn’t even her.
My heart shattered that day in two ways. One, for my then girlfriend. And one for my mom, whom I felt so badly for. I told my mom what had happened and she said, “don’t worry about it. Let her go in peace.”
I only spoke a few more times to this girl (we had been together for 7 years) but, as my mother’s time was drawing short I decided to cut off ties with this person and be there for my mom. The harshness of this girl’s tone towards me and my mother made me realize she was no longer the person I had known, so I stopped talking to her.
My mom ended up passing away 9 months later and a crater had developed where my heart once was. Not only did I lose this girl that I loved so very much, but I also said goodbye to the first girl in my life: my mom.
I’ve been numb for the past year and a half. I have wrestled with anger, betrayal, revenge and hate towards this girl and the very harshness of her tone towards me and my mom. And all I feel it has cost me is lost time and a loss of good energy.
I’d like to add that while we were together, she had cried for years how people were ruthless and picked on her when she was young.
This person chose a hypocritical tone towards me. There was no hesitation to kick me when I was down and very vulnerable. And it didn’t stop there. She spoke poorly of my dying mom (she knew my mom was dying, there’s no good reason for going “there” and saying what she said) and for that, there’s no excuse.
Although I do not wish any harm or ill will towards her, I do not think I should offer anything in the way of help or goodness. I will NOT exact revenge of any kind, but, if she was in trouble, I’m not the person she should be counting on for assistance. It’s not about revenge. It’s about respect.
I am a prayerful person. Not in the textbook sense or reading many Bible verses. I search on search engines and speak to God in my heart as often as needed and I attend Church services too, but only after discovering this article did I really and truly realize that I am a work in progress.
Any further advice?
I am so sorry for your losses. I think you are making good progress in forgiveness. The fact you don't want to seek revenge and wish her no harm is a positive sign. I would work on your thoughts towards her. It would be easy if you could simply not think about her, but obviously you do. That is understandable. You loved her and she hurt you very much..When you do think of her, try to immediately grab those thoughts and begin to pray for her. You don't have to pray God will richly reward her just yet (You may someday), just pray a simple prayer – maybe even that God would continue to mold her heart and mind – not out of revenge but out of a concern you would want God to do for anyone. Short and simple. Prayer may not change anything about her, but it certainly may change you and your outlook towards her.Saying a prayer for you now.
I want to be free of this in a serious way. Please pray for me. I don't know what I'm missing. I'll tell the story if you want me to. I'm not free. I also am alone, the other party has a large family and many friends. so I feel very rejected and looked down upon. yet, it seems so wrong to me.
Try these resources and I'll pray for you.https://ronedmondson.com/2011/05/7-things-forgiveness-is-part-2.htmlhttps://ronedmondson.com/2013/07/7-things-forgiveness-is-not-2.htmlhttp://ronedmondson.net/2015/11/what-happens-at-forgiveness-a-sermon.htmlhttps://ronedmondson.com/2012/08/forgiveness-a-sermon-by-nate-edmondson.htmlAnd, I'll pray.
Please help me. I don't seem to be able to pass the test. I've been working on this for nearly 6 months. I can't talk to anyone about it, because I think I'd be shut down and/or blamed and/or my daughter would possibly at the least just stick up for the other person. It pains me. I seek God. What am I missing. I don't want this blocking my relationship with God.
Great post. I was feeling might fine til I got to the test!!! I would add that every time you talk about them it is in a negative light. I realized that I have not forgiven someone for a few things they have done. Although we have to have boundaries, sometime revenge and getting even triumph iur rationale for boundaries. Thanks!
Hi, I have a problem. There are 2 people in life that have really hurt me and my family, and these two people I know are on drugs, (don’t have proof) but symptoms show it, now they lived by us for six months and they’ve taken over in our home abusing us, and whenever we wanted to approach them and tell them to please stop it, my grandfather would tell us these words, you leave them alone or I will f*ck you up and said to us, if anyone has a problem with them they must come and take it up with me. I really just want to get all this anger out and the best way to do it is to never see them again. We banned this person from our home but his father doesn’t about anyone except him.
I have been struggling so much deep inside me…I have lived with such anger and biterness for those that have hurt me.i want to forgive but it’s hard.eachtime I think I have forgiven them..It happens that when I hear about them I feel more anger and pain..I want to forgive them complete so that I can be free..
Am so inspired really..I want to forgive completely
My ex boyfriend beat me up one night and strangled me unprovoked due to extreme jealousy.
Due to him almost killing me I finally went to the police and got right with God.
The mother talked very nastily to me and falsified information about me to all his family who were previously unaware of the abuse till the police arrested him and to try blame me instead of accept that this was her sons fault despite previously knowing of her sons verbal, physical and emotional abuse.
Now I would not speak a bad word against him nor the mother and used to not let anyone know of the abuse to protect his reputation.
Me and her used to be close to the point she was as my own mother.
She was giving and loving previously, doubling the blow.
This is a very simplified version.
Now it aches in my gut.
It was a double hit..
As anger and bitterness crop up I nip it in the bud(Most days, occasionally I struggle for half a day while I fuel the hurt and unforgiveness till the Holy Spirit brings me into a place of calm where I can forgive again).
But the pain is very immense.. I don’t know if it’s me still healing(It only happened 2 months ago) or still holding onto something. Either way while I struggle sometimes daily to walk in forgiveness I struggle more to let go of the pain.
My friend and I both did something bad, and then stopped talking to each other. I think I’ve forgiven him, but I don’t think I’ve forgiven myself.
How do I forgive myself? How do I know when I have forgiven myself?
You have to recognize that Christ has already paid the price of your mistake. Then apply his forgiveness to yourself. It's a matter of acceptance and truth. And you will know you have when you quit dwelling on it.
My question regards abuse.
I believe I forgave my abuser years ago.
And while I hardly think of him, once in a while, the memories of the abuse come up…not to mention the pain.
When I attempt to call it was it was, ‘abuse by a sociopath’, some in my family think I can’t let it go. I have gone to therapy over this so I could gain understanding as to WHY someone would inflict such pain on another person.
Is my family right? Do I still hold unforgiveness, am I reasonably still healing or is it natural to still relieve that pain so many years later?
I don’t wish my abuser harm. My wish is for them to understand the pain they caused…which probably isn’t realistic – but I do.
I'm just an outsider – with obviously limited information – but based on what you're telling me, it sounds like forgiveness has occurred. The main thing to me is “I' don't wish my abuser harm.” Forgiveness is not ignoring reality. It's not ignoring the past. It's letting go of it's hold on us so we can move forward. Rahab, the harlot, continued to be called this throughout the Bible – even in the faith chapter, where she is bragged about as a hero, she has her title – Rahab, the prostitute.
I’m struggling with something confusing i’m hurting bad I’m not sure how I’m going to be able to feel like myself again i made mistakes and still make them I’m not sure what i got myself in the middle of all i know i’m deeply hurting behind it i tried prayer nothing seems to be working
Thank you and may God bless you so much!!! Breakthrough!! After a long wait and much prayer I received a phone call from my mother yesterday asking about Christmas . I had fought not to call her waiting on God to tell me His timing. Then called and got a busy signal yesterday. Why? She was calling me!
I am so thankful to God and to you and those who prayed for us!! We had an amazing conversation for nearly an hour !
We are trusting God to lead and pray there will be good changes to come with my siblings as well. I am constantly evaluating what I could do better. Thank you for the suggested book readings and your prayers!
I am hopeful and able to celebrate Christmas fully now!
May God provide miracles to your readers too!
Amen. Praise God!
I do believe in god very much so and feel comfort in knowing that i do, maybe I need to pray a bit more about this situation, I want to forgive that's what I do, so why am I hanging onto this ????????
Forgiveness is a choice. It takes time but ultimately it's a surrender to God's will over our desire to hold on to the pain. Listen to this message my son shared a couple years ago. https://ronedmondson.com/2012/08/forgiveness-a…
I'm really struggling to forgive someone right now, and after reading the inspirational words and tests I now believe it's more than one person in my life I need to forgive. I've always looked towards the positive behaviour in someone as no-one even me, are perfect. I don't want to end up friendless especially as they have been there for me. I do have lots of patience for people but this one person has been particually sprightful in my opinion knowingly so. I need help.
Thank you for your suggestions. I’m really struggling with this because I know if we don’t go on Christmas my mom will most likely be alone. She has many church friends and people who call though. They have never known about the family stuff. But she has many friends.
My father passed twenty three years ago. Family gatherings were always turbulent due to my sister purposely setting people against each other for fun. She would get a Cheshire like grin once the fights began.
My mom and I have had good visits on rare days and it saddens me that they are few. And now may never be possible again. I love my family despite it all but can’t do these games anymore and never wanted to.
I hate the games people play. They exhaust the soul and heart and destroy relationships, yet so many seem content to do them . So many do them in purpose to hurt others .
We were music leaders for awhile in a church that had gone from 200 to 25 members after trying to be like the world and all about the gadgets.
Lies, rumors, and spiteful things were said and in a church so small with so many leaving- it didn’t take long before we decided to leave. These were direct personal attacks and started by a band member who refused to work with us and felt he should lead . The year before they had no music at all!! Even people I had shared prayers with chose to believe the lies . My heart was too broken to sing or stay. We gave not been able to find a church we both agree on since . I wanted to confront the person and remove them from the group of all volunteer musicians because of the disruption he caused. My co leader did not due to it being volunteer. It nearly tore us apart because the lies were about me personally . We left and yet one of the instigators lives next door. He has split the neighborhood with lies as well. We can not move. So the complete healing is slow .
We have no support from a church right now and my mom has many friends. So I find it odd and difficult to understand . Though her friends are the type who call to talk about their own problems for hours and rarely hers. I don’t envy that. They did even the day of her previous surgery! I told them she was not feeling well.
I have confronted my sister about always asking for money from my mom and she got very angry and vowed she would not take another cent or move in with my mom if it were her last resort. I had not even mentioned anything about moving in. I confronted my brother about helping my mom more and he got angry as well and cut off all communication. Later he did a tiny bit to help. We never had much communication as it was so it was not a loss. The two seemed thoughtlessly determined about putting my mom into bankruptcy for their own benefit. Something had to be said .
If nothing else I hope that this will keep her from poverty and financial strife . She told me to stay out of her affairs yet comes to me asking if we could help if she is short on money one month!!!!
It has all been too exhausting to go through! But I trust God is doing something. I have tried to be loving but find it harder and harder to want to reach out to people . Thank you for your prayers and help.
Thank you for the book suggestions. They have been amazing for me. I have had realizations about family relationships in my life over the years and these books have certainly confirmed them.
I was the peace keeper until I could take it no longer. No one else was trying or caring to try. I tried to speak calmly to a few and then ended up confronting them. Some things have improved – mainly with me . I expect no changes with my family members. The shame is those who could really learn from these books would never read them due to pride.
I have learned a lot and still am. It is hard since now my mother has turned against me as well. We were close as long as I went along or did not question the strange situation with my brother still living at home at fifty without obligation , job, rent, or even helping with yard work or house work . I live many miles away. He lives right there. She will not ask him to help- like its beneath him to help . She expects me to drive hours each day to do things he could easily do. Instead since I said no she has my aunt running around exhausted to help with simple things. Getting the mail or paper for example with snow season coming. She lives fifteen minutes away. He lives down the hall.
Nothing I do will ever be enough for her. He does nothing and is expected to do nothing . My sister as usual is a no show.
My mom just had knee surgery two months ago and has been childish and demanding even more than before using every kind of manipulation and guilt trip in the book.
The difference – I am saying no. She forgets we come every week nearly , set up her shower with safety devices , cooked meals, stayed with her for the surgery and drove her home even though it meant getting up at four and getting her there for a first thing appointment . None of it is good enough . Ever. My sister is allowed excuses to never show up. Considered a honorable person. Hates God and Jesus. My brother never leaves his room and does nothing. Period. She says she expects him to die before her. They both have my grandfathers genes of 92 years! Both look and act like him .
So she coddles, he gets weaker, and is certainly not living . Not even existing ! He is not a cripple -YET! But if she continues and he allows it I can see him becoming one.
I forgive them but can no longer be a part of this. Simply can’t. We had a huge argument at thanksgiving Sunday . I told her not to call me unless she can speak with me in a respectful loving way. Her phone calls are usually filled with guilt trips and cruelty. When I answered them I had to pray for strength and peace. It is hard to remain calm and not let her get to me. Other times I get angry at her and tell her I love her but I must hang up.
The phones are silent . It is relief . Yet I know she is not calling be a use she will not , can not, and chooses not to respect me. Or love me.
I thank God for Jesus!! For my supportive amazing kind husband , and for you and your book suggestions.
Christmas is coming. We are supposed to spend it with her this year. The day that is. We trade off with each family each special day. How on earth can I do this ?? She has decided to Skip Christmas with us before. Something she would never do with my sister. I love my family but can not continue in their hurtful, and manipulative fabrication that everything is fine. I can not pretend or go along with it or allow myself to be abused emotionally anymore. I can’t and won’t. Any suggestions about Christmas gatherings?? I am currently reading the neccisary endings book. Just begun . Any insights and scriptures would be very appreciated.
I feel awful and like a horrible Christian for arguing and have tried not to with her. But she is excellent at pushing buttons and manipulation s. both of which make me very upset now . Did before as well. But now I am standing up against them and she is even nastier and more hurtful.
In the past we have had rare good phone calls or visits. But now she is even worse and I am nearly ready to walk away for good. I do not want to have to do that . But what are the choices?? Please help.
God bless you for helping so many.
What an honor! Thank you! I wrote this post about Christmas last year. https://ronedmondson.com/2014/12/7-suggestions… I would say you need to “own” your Christmas. You need to determine what is best for your family, your heart, and to protect your walk with Christ. I don’t think I can answer this for you, but I do believe you have the right to make choices – even hard choices – to avoid further injury. Praying for you.
I’m glad I stumbled across this article. I am struggling with a particular person in my life, my best friend’s boyfriend. He said some hurtful (and completely irrational and unjustified) things to me about my wife over the summer and I cannot seem to move past it. It has driven a pretty big wedge between my best friend and I, and I just cannot be comfortable hanging out with them while my wife is excluded. I am so angry at the boyfriend because I feel he took one of my most valued friendships from me at a hard time in my life when I need my friends the most. I have seen them a handful of times over the past few months (we used to all spend time together at least 2 or 3 times a week). They both just pretend nothing happened and won’t acknowledge how hurtful boyfriend has been to my wife and therefore to me. I guess I am not ready to forgive, as I am still too angry at both of them.
Omg! As I read the comments and replies I was shifted into prayer! I’m sitting here crying while realizing so many people are hurting and and need healing! Jesus is the answer. As I prayed for those who’ve wronged me, I could hear the Holy Spirit saying call out the or names, every time you think of the incident pray and declare you have forgiven them. Declare it as much as you have to, read the Word of God often and speak life! I am praying for us all! Thanks so much Ron Edmonson for this beautiful post!
Amen. Praying for you.
This response helped me alot. Declaring it in prayer that I have forgiven the person who has hurt me and saying so out loud. Thank you Jeus! God bless you June and Ron.
Wow! This was a blessing. I pray for the person that hurt me, I think good thoughts but I wandered if I truly forgave them and this I believe proved that I did or at least I’m in the right direction. May God bless you richly! I will not be bitter!!!
may God increase you on every side.nice post
Thank you.
A Godly woman said she forgives with the purpose of making herself feel better, to release herself of the hurt someone caused her. Is this the main purpose of forgiveness? Jesus forgives without the purpose of moving on with his life or to make himself feel better. Is the purpose of disciples of Jesus to forgive like Jesus’ example? I need guidance on this subject please.
I think there may be a bigger question. Does Jesus command His disciples to forgive? Period. The benefits of it are amazing but the reason to do it all a because Jesus said if we love Him we will do as He commands.
I just watched Nate’s video sermon on forgiveness. Thank you for the link. This was just the support I needed. Please thank him for me. I’m moved beyond words.
I will. Thank you.
A Godly woman said she forgives with the purpose of making herself feel better, to release herself of the hurt someone caused her. Is this the main purpose of forgiveness? Jesus forgives without the purpose of moving on with his life or to make himself feel better. Is the purpose of disciples of Jesus to forgive like Jesus’ example? I need guidance on this subject please.
Five minutes ago, I would have said that I had forgiven the three boyfriends who treated me like a ho. But after reading this, I realize I have not. My answers to these questions were an eye opener.
Though they deserve to be denied a life of happiness, it seems I’m the only one left suffering, alone, unable to trust, with a marred view of sex.
Praying for you.
Thank you.
hi. i was so angry with my dad for leaving my family with another woman. but as time goes by i learned to accept the situation that he will never go back to us. but whenever i talk to him it’s like flashbacks come to my mind. and i start to have teary eyes. i dont know why i’m still like this. i never talked to him about how i felt about our situation and how i felt when my mom was crying everytime they fight. now he asked for forgiveness and i said ive forgiven him long time ago. but i dont know if ii have fully forgiven him
Hi.. Uhm.. My ex boyfriend really abused me.. I have cut communication with him but when I think about him and what he did I get so mad.. I don’t know if I have forgiven Him..i want to.. But when I see a picture where he is happy.. I get so angry.. I just don’t Really know what to do..
Keep praying. Sometimes it's a process. The key is you want to be free so he can abuse you no longer with an emotional hold. Forgives frees that to happen.
I would like to get a copy of your Leading vs controlling Leadership Styles.
I enjoy reading your material.
I would suggest the heartbreak test. If the person continues on a self-destructive path (which may or may not involve harming others) and your heart breaks for them, you probably have forgiven them.
Wow. That's a great test.
My ex husband and his dad both sexually abused my kids. My ex went to prison but his dad did not. It has been about 2 1/2 years since I found out about the abuse and I still don’t know how I’ll ever get to the point of true forgiveness. I pray and try to take my thoughts captive but deep down I know my feelings probably still border on hatred. In some ways, my kids are still suffering because of what happened and that keeps those angry feelings flaring again periodically. I do wish them harm…I do wish for failure in their lives…I cannot even imagine ever coming to their aid of they were in trouble…and I have a hard time imagining ever getting to that point. I know forgiveness is for ME…I know refusing to forgive isn’t hurting them at all…but I’m still so SO angry…
I can only imagine. You have every right to be angry. That is a righteous anger. Your feelings are completely natural in a situation like this.You do already recognize the truth that forgiveness is for you not for the ones who did these horrible acts. I'm praying for you as you continue to minister to your children and God continues to minister to your heart.
My mother in law didn't like me from the very first time she found out her son like me. Well, we got married and the relationship between us was very rocky. So much so that we moved to another town. Things really got better between us, we would go for occasional visits, very friendly with each other, but, she would always go on about her wonderful daughter and her son in law. And when her daughter had children, she just go on and on about them, how wonderful they are. We didn't had children, so I don't know if my children would have given the same treatment. We are married for 25 years now, and she still just boast about her wonderful daughter and her family. She never praise anything me or my husband do. I suffer from depression, and in all this 25 years she never once give me any encouragement during bad periods with the depression. But I never hold that against her, the only thing that really bugs me, is when she boasts about her daughter etc. Anyway, this year she didn't visit us on our anniversary, or even bought us a present, not that it's about a present, just having a cup of tea with us would be just fine. We helped her financially for 2 years, but because of bad economic times we couldn't help her anymore, this happened just before our anniversary, so, I don't know if she's mad because we can't help her anymore. Anyway, after a while I decided to forgive her, I don't have a problem with any of the 5 points you mentioned. But, I decide that I want to keep my distance, I'm really really not angry at her, I don't wish anything bad for her, I will help her if she need any help, I just don't have any emotional feelings for her. Does that mean that I really forgave her or not. I just can't see myself going there and keep hearing how wonderful her daughter is. It breaks me down, it makes me very negative, don't I then have the right to keep my distance, although I really don't have any resentment towards her?
I don't think you have to visit her to forgive her.
Thank you for your immediate reply.
It has been a difficult decision because she is my sister and I pray for her salvation every day , but I am concerned for my mother who seems to believe that giving her the money will lead to her openness to Jesus. It has not turned out that way for many years.
If my siblings do end up on the streets anyway in the future what then is my responsibility to them? My brother professes to be Christian but has not grown beyond the childish nature of a teen. He is 50 in a week.
My mother actually has tried to convince me he should move in with us, my husband and I , but we disagree and know it will cause problems within our joyous marriage of 24 years.
We give to local homeless shelters and to other organizations, but my mother says if we give to strangers why not our own family ?
It would be painful to see my siblings in the street, but destructive to continue to give money or to take them in our home.
My brother seems to have emotional and possibly health issues but refuses help and does not treat my mom with much respect .
He pretends his bedroom from since he was 14 is his apartment and acts like my mothers things are his.
Even to the point of using and breaking them. He is an artist but has never paid rent or helped her with much. Now he spends all his time on her computer . She is an enabler to the extreme thinking it is the Christian thing to do. But one day they both will need to stand on legs never used or strengthened.
If they end up on the streets how can I live with the guilt I know I will struggle with, without letting it affect my wonderful marriage from God?
I prayed for a best friend and He gave me one in my sweet husband.
This is my first priority ,after God ,
So I protect it with great help from God.
Thank you for your help and we are looking for and will read the books you suggested soon.
Any other insights would be very appreciated.
I have been eagerly seeking help with a situation involving my sister. You have helped a great deal. My question is this-
She had angrily attacked us with any talk about God or Jesus. She calls only when she needs something , generally money, and treats us with disrespect and manipulation if we don’t give it to her. Or to get it from my gentle mother who is in her 70s.
I feel I must protect my mother who is already caring for a fifty year old son who may or may not have emotional and health issues. He also mooches off her and never left his bedroom since age 14.
My sister has been bitter and nasty since I was five . I have few good memories of her. She has hated me and put a wall against me since I was a tiny child. Vindictive and mean she tortured me way past sibling rivalry.
I forgive her for that but she continues to use family for money and never returns the favor . Or love.
Now she is divorced from a man who had bisexual relationships while they were married and nearly broke from his childish hateful actions . She was hateful toward him and her son as well.
Now she may be put out on the streets if we don’t help – again.
Her heart hates Christians but her hand is always out for us to fill.
Should we fill it again and again. My mother is running out of money and we have our own debts .
What should we do?
Please advise? Thank you!
I can't tell you what to do but I can say love and forgiveness is not enabling. There are times to exhibit discipline in the name of love and it be the best thing for the person.Several good books to consider. “Boundaries” and ” Necessary Endings” by Henry Cloud and John Townsend.Also “Love must be Tough” by James Dobson. Any of them could help. They are all Christian writers.
I filed a law suit against my employer for trying to sweep , one of my coworkers slapping me on my buttock under the rug. They also tried too say they saw me hugged up with this person and made physical gesturers. I understand I must forgive and I have choose to do so, however does that mean I need to release lawsuit?
I have questions about if that is the right thing to do? What if this happens to some one else? and what if he does it again. I file a formal complain with my employer to handle it appropriately . I got no support and accused and also told to sit down and talk to the person because he was just playing. I can forgive but allowing them to treat me and anyone else in that manner seem wrong . Can you Help me Please.
Forgiveness isn't a legal matter. It's a spiritual/emotional matter. You can handle things in a legal way and still forgive in your heart. Not pretending that's easy though.
Thank you for sharing this.
Help me here……I don't hate the person who hurt me but, I still don't trust them and I don't want them to be my buddy due to that lack of trust. Also, if a person has no idea they've offended you what do you do? It's been so long ago that I don't remember the details to even confront them yet, I still find myself feeling like I can't even look at them when I see them. I want to move forward and I want to forget but there is still this nagging inside of me and I don't know what to do. I've asked God many times to forgive me and to forgive me for not confronting them right then and there. I hate confrontation because in the past it was always turn against me as if I didn't know what I was talking about which always made me feel like an idiot and unsure of myself.
Long ago I was terribly hurt over a woman who abused my little boy. After many years I called her and brought up what had happend and she didn't even know what I was talking about and still she never apologized. I still forgave and I've felt just fine since but not with the other two people I spoke about. Thanks for your input : )
Let me encourage you to watch this sermon my son did on forgiveness. One of the best explanations I have heard https://ronedmondson.com/2012/08/forgiveness-a-sermon-by-nate-edmondson.html
I thank you for your message on forgiveness. I noticed we have the same unusual last name. Where are you from. Maybe we are related.
I'm from Tennessee. Great name.
. My in-laws have always found one way or another to hurt me, from the very first year I meet my husband, It has happened so many times that when they "are nice" to me, I find it very awkward, and don't feel comfortable again. I feel out of place. I am a complete stranger to their "nice ways". I am really better off when I am away from them. I now run away from their phone calls, and visits, because we never could stay 2 years without having a serious issue, I have been married for 16 years now. they was a time it was going so far that it was affecting my children. until I read this message on "how to know if I have forgiven people", I thought I was using wisdom with them. Am I being wise or have I not forgiven? I honestly can NOT even think of having a different relationship with them. the trust is gone. I still pray for them, (am I hypocrite?), honestly I can't tell anymore
No your not. If they have hurt you by some kind of action that broke you and your husband up or have slandered you causing you to lose a job or something important in your life by the way of personal or professional relationships.. . If they did something like cause you to lose your children or called fake reports into dhs or bared false witness against you causing you great pain and stress or have done something to personally ruin your life to cause you to fail and not prosper .if they have betrayed you by trying to fix your husband up with other women or setting you up to publicly humiliating you or actually hitting you then you are within your rights to be protective of yourself. If not then you should try and speak to a Christian therapist recommended by your pastor or priest to work on how you feel and why you feel the way you do.
Caroline, I'm so sorry you have had to deal with this, and for so many years. You don't sound like a hypocrite to me. Actually, you sound quite the opposite. You seem genuinely harmed and confused by their behavior, left only wanting to understand "why?" they behave the way they do toward you. I'm curious what your spouse thinks and (why or if) he is defending you to his parents. Your husband needs to protect you. I recommend sitting down together with your in-laws and gently bearing your feelings to them. Aside from forgiveness, I feel its Reconciliation that you need. In the Old Testament the word reconciliation is the Hebrew word kapar, pronounced kaw-far’. This is one of the most theologically significant words in the Bible. In addition to reconciliation, kapar is also translated into English words such as forgive, purge away, be merciful, to name a few. By far, the most commonly translated word for kapar is the word atonement. And, atonement is the reconciliation and reparation of a wrong or injury. So seek to repair your relationship with them by first gaining understanding of why they treat you the way they do – reconciliation should follow along with forgiveness. Be kind. Be honest. Be real. And most of all Be brave. I'm rooting for you. God bless.
There are two ex-friends of mines that really said nasty things to me. I chose not to have anything to do with them anymore. I can't feel happiness for them, but I don't wish for them to fail either. My feelings for them both just ceased entirely. What they said to me really caused me grief for sometime and I do hurt thinking about it, but I don't feel any ill will towards them. If they need help, I will help them, but as if we were strangers. Do you feel I have forgiven them? Because I really don't feel anything for them anymore but just as if they were random strangers that may need help on the street.
It sounds as if you have. If you're not sure, listen to this message from my son :https://vimeo.com/47259548
I don't know if that's the goal. Our minds are designed to retain information. It's how we reconcile and handle it that matters most.
After hearing a sermon at church on forgiveness, I Googled "how to tell if you have forgiven" not knowing IF I would find anything of interest. To my amazement I found your post. It was exactly what I needed to read.
What I read confirmed that I have not yet completely forgiven. It also reasured me that "Boundries" are sometimes necessary even if you have truly forgiven. In my case the boundry that I set up at the time of injury was to end the friendship, as I was no longer comfortable with it. At the time it might have been because I have not been able to achieve #1. Clearly God has more work to do in my heart. However I do think that that boundry is still necessary.
Question:
When God has helped me through the forgiving process and I have truly forgiven them, do I tell this person that I have forgiven them? Even though they feel that they have done nothing wrong? Or would I be "getting revenge" by telling them that I have forgiven them?
I don't think it is always necessary to tell them, especially if you think it could stir up tension more.Here's the best message I've heard on forgiveness. Given by my son. At the end he shares the suggestion that you can sometimes write a letter, freeing your heart, but never sending the letter.https://ronedmondson.com/2012/08/forgiveness-a-sermon-by-nate-edmondson.html
I am bookmarking this so I can continue to use it to check my progress. It has helped me see that I have forgiven some people that I was worried I had not but I had not forgiven others that I thought I had. Thanks for the post!
Thanks Erin for your honesty
Is it possible to just forgive an offence without letting the person know about it?
Absolutely.
It depends. If you have the opportunity to tell that person he/she is forgiven, you should. You must attempt to release them from guilt if they are contrite. If they are not contrite, you should set an example of what it is to be a Christian. Maybe in that way you will reach something deep within their soul. Maybe they will change their ways through your actions of mercy and love. If it is not possible to tell them…i.e. they are dead, mentally incapacitated or you can't find them, then you still can forgive them to release yourself from the bondage of anger…conquer the deadly sin of wrath.
I've heard it said that we know we have forgiven when we are angry about sin and it's consequences rather than at the person. I believe we are called to share God's hatred for sin in the world but also His grace.
Good word.
Great post! I think numbers one and five are the most challenging for me… But I'd call those something other than forgiveness. I'd call the first- grieving (often the pain of betrayal) and the last- trust (proven performance over time) which is a separate process from forgiveness. Thank you for continuing to challenge and sharpen me with these posts.
Thanks Laura
The hardest person I have ever had to forgive was my ex husband and the fact he is gay. He was having gay affairs while we were married and lied to me over and over to hide these affairs. I’d been manipulated for years by him and the anger I was experiencing was giving me strength to stand up to him.
I didn’t WANT to give up the anger. I couldn’t even sincerely ask God to take the anger away because I wanted to hold on to it. However I knew if I held on to it, I would become bitter and it would “eat me up”.
I had to start “small” and ask God to change ME and my heart so I could just get to the point to sincerely ask Him to take the anger away. He answered that prayer and replaced the bitterness with a desire to forgive.
I remember the exact time/place when He took the anger and replaced it with forgiveness. It was ALL GOD because I could never have done it on my own! I can honestly say I have forgiven my ex. Sometimes I still get mad when he lies or tries to manipulate, but it’s a short lived anger not a consuming bitterness.
I’m so thankful God has forgiven me for the many times I’ve sinned against Him and for His provision to my heart for me to forgive others. He has used my pastor and other spiritual leaders in my life to teach me about His grace and mercy and He used those lessons during the process of softening my heart so I could forgive my ex husband. I think God also used your article to help validate that I really have forgiven him. Thank you for tweeting it.
Thanks for sharing your story. That sounds like a very difficult thing to forgive for sure. It's helpful to see how God worked in your life.
Did the Man ( husband ask for forgiveness? Forgiveness is not unconditional. If He did not ask , you cannot forgive him. However you can turn it over to God, and not seek personal revenge.
So has someone truly forgiven yu if they want absolutly nothing to do with you even if they have to I mean think about it God forgave us so we could have a chance to grow in our relationship with him why shouldnt it be that way with each other lack of a relationship is still harboring that anger cause you need a reason not to associate with that? right
We have to remember that we are not God, not capable of all His ways. I would say no to answer your question in a completely perfect sense. In true forgiveness it should heal the wound enough to bridge the way for a healthy relationship again. But, to carry that out may not be practical for imperfect people, still capable of sin.For example, if the offense I'm forgiving is one of a sinful nature, to continue a “healthy” relationship with the person who I need to forgive may only be new temptation to sin. I can forgive them in my heart, but may not need to continue the relationship to protect my heart from sinning more. This is a broad example, but the principles have many implications.The key of forgiveness is what happens in the heart.
I pray over and over to forgive my transgressors, but I still get butterflies in my stomach when i think about them, still feel resentful. I’ve outwardly forgiven them, aand I’d do anything for them. In fact, I’d feel terrible if they knew I still carried pain with me because of their actions. I think I have more work to do but i don’t know what else I can do.
Philippians 4:13 I'd suggest
the Bible is were you need to go nowere better
Ouch. Thank you!
It can be an “ouch”. Thank you.
AWESOME post! This really speaks to me as I work through some bitterness/forgiveness issues. This guide helps me to see where I am in the process. Thanks for your wisdom!
Amen. Thanks Pastor Brad!
Hey Ron, thanks so much for your great post. You inspired me to write about the one secret I was shown about forgiveness. http://bit.ly/v6XpaY
Thank you for sharing Michael!
Continued from previous comment……. (due to space constraint)
" But even if he is absolutely fully to blame we still have to forgive him; and even if ninety-nine percent of his apparent guilt can be explained away by really good excuses, the problem of forgiveness begins with the one percent guilt which is left over. To excuse what can really produce good excuses is not Christian character; it is only fairness. To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.
This is hard. It is perhaps not so hard to forgive a single great injury. But to forgive the incessant provocations of daily life—to keep on forgiving the bossy mother-in-law, the bullying husband, the nagging wife, the selfish daughter, the deceitful son—how can we do it? Only, I think, by remembering where we stand, by meaning our words when we say in our prayers each night ‘forgive our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us.’ We are offered forgiveness on no other terms. To refuse it is to refuse God’s mercy for ourselves. There is no hint of exceptions and God means what He says.”
Thank you. Very good
As I read this post on forgiveness, I would like to quote the words of C. S. Lewis from his book “The Weight of Glory” (which I found insightful and personally touching my heart):
“ you must make every effort to kill every taste of resentment in your own heart—every wish to humiliate or hurt him or to pay him out. The difference between this situation and the one in such you are asking God’s forgiveness is this. In our own case we accept excuses too easily; in other people’s we do not accept them easily enough.
As regards my own sin it is a safe bet (though not a certainty) that the excuses are not really so good as I think; as regards other men’s sins against me it is a safe bet (though not a certainty) that the excuses are better than I think. One must therefore begin by attending to everything which may show that the other man was not so much to blame as we thought.”
Continued in next comment….. (due to space constraint)
I had not read that before
Thanks Ron, I have gone back and forth believing I had forgiven, wasn't really sure. Had good night last night and looking @ the list realize it's a choice everyday. So…….every thought, every opportunity is a time to chose forgiveness.
Good job! Thanks!
Ron,
I love this list. I used it to see if I have the capacity to forgive someone. I still need to get through one of them.
Thanks for the list. Will be sharing on my Facebook.
Rebecca
Thanks Rebecca. God bless you.
That's a great list, Ron. The third one is the one I struggle with the most if the person isn't the least bit repentant for the things that they've done. It's hard for me to think positively of someone I know is deliberately deceiving or harming other people with their actions. How do you truly forgive and think positively of someone who you know for a fact is still causing harm?
Yes, that is a hard one. Of course, being hard means that it isn't easy.
(Felt the need to say it both ways.)Keep in mind that forgiveness is a choice…a heart decision. It's not a license to sin or an approval or actions. It's granting grace. Grace is never deserved. Our grace…God's forgiveness of us…is never deserved. In the same way we receive forgiveness we are encouraged to forgive.
My question is: if GOD expects you to forgive without the person even acknowledging the sin against you, then why does GOD require you to admit your sin before HE can forgive you? I think GOD expects us to forgive our brothers and sisters in CHRIST the way HE has forgiven us, but not everybody.
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.Seven times seventy.[ Matthew 18:21-22King James Version (KJV)] To the others who sin against us, we are to let GOD, take care of the retribution of the sin and leave them to GOD'S judgement.
We could certainly debate this for a long time, but my suspicion is we have more sins than we confess. God forgave all sin – and all condemnation on the cross. (Romans 8:1.) The criteria to be forgiven is belief in Christ. Of course, like any relationship, we keep it pure by asking forgiveness when we did wrong. But, forgiveness can be granted without confession. Again, how many of our unknown sins – while still sins – are already forgiven by God?
It seems your getting after me quite a bit lately.
Good word when I needed it. Not comfortable – good.
The best nudges are usually not comfortable.
I've heard from so many people that their inability to forgive is based on things that have been planted in their heads by the church itself, like "if I forgive them, that means I should never speak of it, think of it, or hear of it again" or "forgiving means forgetting". As a survivor of both childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault as a young adult (and a Christ follower), I use my story to help others know they are not alone… I speak of the offense at times but I don't call my attackers out by name when I share my story… because the part of the story that's important is that God has healed my heart. I have spent some serious time in tearful and sometimes very uncomfortably honest 'pouring my heart out to God' kinda prayer. I begged God to change my attitude, to help me let go of thinking it was my job to get even with those men for what they did to me. When I speak of what happened to me, I no longer feel the need to punish the people who perpetrated those crimes against me. I know that God is sovereign and He has worked this whole situation out for good because I'm able to help other survivors through the gifts He has given me. When I was finally able to let go of the notion that I somehow had to hang on to the hurt because I can't "forget" what it was like being sexually abused and assaulted, my life changed and God gave me a whole new outlook on things. I think when it finally clicked in my head and my heart that forgiveness did not mean I had to literally forget and bury the pain I had felt, I was finally able to let go and get busy showing other survivors that He can change their world.
Thank you for this post, as it has opened my eyes to a totally unrelated situation that I need to get on my knees about. I have some more forgiving to do. God bless you!
Thanks for your heart and transparency.
Your statement, "…forgiveness is a decision…a choice…it is not an automatic healer of emotions" was really comforting to me. I struggle with forgiveness with one person in my life. I've made the choice to forgive this person countless times, but I never feel as if the process is complete because I'm still hurting.
I also liked your point that forgiveness does not prohibit one from setting healthy boundaries. It is sometimes difficult to feel like you've fully forgiven someone when you are still "protecting yourself" around him/her.
Thank you for this great post, Ron. God bless!
Thank you for the feedback. Another thought. If you allow the person to keep causing the same injury you aren't helping them or anyone else. You are serving to enable bad behavior.
yes i have this same problem but with Gods help I will get myself to the point that I can feel that I''ve totally forgiven this person .I WANT TO BE FREE, from this.
Only God can truly set us free.