forgive and forget? nah....

Forgiveness is not about forgetting. It is about letting go of the anger, pain and loss you feel and releasing your grip around that persons throat... releasing them to God. We have no duty to justice. God will handle it. Reestablish a relationship? Without true change from them.... and admission about what they've done and change of mind and behavior.... a relationship cannot be possible. What if you don't want a relationship with them restored? Still forgive. Unforgiveness eats you alive, destroys your joy and your ability to love fully and openly. Fogiveness isn't about excusing anything. It's alright to be angry... it is the right response to something wrong. But have you ever seen the bitterness in a persons face and heart that doesn't forgive and release it? Is that what you want? Still feeling anger and unforgiveness towards someone years later? Maybe you haven't given it up....to God. Forgiveness is an act of will.... not emotion.

Loving and just God, thank you for cleansing and forgiving me by the atoning sacrifice of your Son Jesus. Thank you for challenging me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. Thank you for demanding that your people be a community of forgiveness. Forgive us, and especially forgive me, when we are reluctant, slow, or suspicious about forgiveness. In Jesus' name. Amen.