One of the common threads that tie the human race together is that each of us, somewhere, sometime, have been offended by what someone said or by what someone did. And now we are left with emotions and memories that can haunt us the rest of our lives. Sounds pretty unfair, doesn't it? Well, no one said that life is fair. There are times when innocent people get hurt by the actions and words of others. So, the question isn't, "Is it fair?" The question now becomes, "What do we do with the feelings that are left to contend with?" What happened can never be erased, but there is something we all can do to escape the pain of that offense? It's called forgiveness. Forgiveness is simply making the decision not to hold anyone responsible for how the offense affected us. No matter how severe the offense, the offender needs to be released from the responsibility of the feelings that the offense caused. If there is no forgiveness there is no freedom for the offended or the offender. This decision is perhaps one of the most difficult of all the choices in life that must be made. But it is also the most freeing one as well. Remember, that the way you treat others (forgiving or not forgiving) is how you will be treated, as well. So the next time you are offended, be quick to forgive. You'll be glad you did!
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4 comments:
So... when is confrontation necessary when someone has wronged you? I find it so hard to swallow that I just need to "get over it" without confronting the offender.
I don't think he said you can't confront someone, but you do need to forgive. You have to speak to the person. What if the offender mis-judged, or didn't get the story straight, or was just going by the gossip they heard. I think you can still confront the person, hear their opinion, give yours and if nothing gets settled, well, just forget about it. God gave us a brain for a reason. You have your side of the story, they have theirs, life goes on. Why carry alot of words on your back. They just weigh you down when you should be looking up.
When things are said that actually damage the ministry that God has placed you in, then just expressing opinions and walking away is not enough.
Forgiveness starts with Jesus. Without Him, we cannot do anything on our own. When we trust Jesus, He gives us the courage, strength, and grace to forgive. Forgiveness also draws people to God. It reflects everything He has done for us. Paul wrote, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21
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