Walking in Forgiveness
As we close out another year and I reflect, a word that comes to mind is forgiveness. I can see God refining me in this area. He is giving me ample opportunities to choose: will I forgive and enrich relationships or let those same relationships suffer or even prematurely die?
It is a concerted effort to forgive because naturally our minds keep score. Oh this person didn’t return my call, I won’t text back first. He dirtied the dish, I shouldn’t have to wash it. I’m offended, I’m going to stay in this feeling for a while. As I reflect on these mindsets and tendencies, I see where God is wanting to modify my life into one that is constantly in a mode of grace and forgiveness; much like His character.
“Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” (Romans 3:24, New Living Translation)
Following God’s example, if He can forgive our most egregious sins; we should be able to forgive others in our life. God forgives and shows grace because that is His character. He doesn’t need to forgive us so He can have peace. However, forgiveness is entirely for our benefit.
“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.” (Proverbs 17:9, New Living Translation)
Thinking of recent opportunities I’ve had to forgive, there isn’t a time where I didn’t see a blessing on the other side. That blessing looked like time. Time with a loved one or close friend we wouldn’t have had if I didn’t choose to move past an offense and start a conversation; time spent laughing instead of reeling or stewing in isolation.
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (Colossians 3:13, New Living Translation)
Recently, my husband Vic, and I were getting ready for church on Sunday. We woke up with plenty of time before the service. We sat down for a nice breakfast and then I began to get dressed. Vic decided to work on some school work due later in the day. I gave a 30 minute warning for when we needed to leave to arrive on time. As I suspected, that time came and went and we ended up leaving just around the time I had hoped to arrive. By this point, I was irritated. I asked him what was the issue? Did he take this as seriously as me? We rode to church in silence. He dropped me off in front and went to park the car. I sat in a different spot from our usual location and shot him a text to let him know. He walked in and sat somewhere else. He responded to my text that he saw it late; I asked if he was going to move. He didn’t. I began to fume. For a moment, I resolved to continue the cycle of not talking and not speak to him after service or on the ride home. But I knew this would not be for the best. I also knew with our busy schedules the weekends are when we have the most time together. As the service continued, I silently pleaded with God in prayer to help me forgive; to let the offense go. We connected when service ended and quickly got on the same page. From there, we went to brunch after service, were two peas in a pod the whole afternoon watching Netflix, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. It was one of our best days. I marveled how if I didn’t choose to listen to the Spirit and forgive and be understanding, none of that would have been possible.
As I continually walk in this lifestyle of forgiveness, I encourage you to embrace it too. It is hard in the moment but infinitely beneficial on the other side. We’ll never regret the time we get back with someone or the new memories shared. God is always with us and able to give us the strength and ability to forgive.
