Forgiveness is a powerful thing. It not only has the power to change the way you or I approach the future, it also has the power to transform the life of the person we offer forgiveness to.
Forgiveness has changed the course in my life many times:
- When I was seventeen and could not hide my sin anymore, a pastor's wife named Elizabeth Brummett showed me so much unconditional love that it opened the door for me to move on despite my mistakes.
- On a hot August Friday afternoon in 1986, I kneeled down at the couch of our apartment and asked God to forgive me of my arrogance and sin. That day changed me forever. Ever since, I have been apprehended by Someone who will not let me go. His name is Jesus!
- Renee and I are approaching 25 years of marriage. During these years, her forgiveness has helped mold me as much as anything. I have grown in compassion, acceptance, and forgiveness because she has given it to me. 143!
Forgiveness is powerful. When you receive it, your life is changed. When you give it, you open your life and the life of the one you forgive to deep personal transformation.
In recent months, I have struggled because someone I love very much has not received the forgiveness they seek from someone else. I have watched how the pain of their actions have hurt a person they care about very much. However, I have also seen how the offended person has held back forgiveness. I have grieved watching this. The offended person has the power of forgiveness at their disposal but refuses to use it. As a result, transformation they seek has not taken place.
When we hold on to Unforgiveness, when hinder our own personal/spiritual growth. We also miss the opportunity to help the one who wronged us. Offering them forgiveness might be the best chance they have to change. Do not hold on to bitterness and Unforgiveness. Give forgives away. It is one of the most powerful things you can do. Here are some great scriptures about forgiveness:
Luke 6:37; Matthew 6:15-15; Matthew 18:1-35; 1 John 1:9
How about you? How has receiving forgiveness transformed you? (Click "Comments" below and share your thoughts)
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