That Word We Keep Repeating
Interspersed within our stories are teachings we share that are Biblically based and personal. Often our stories run in the same vein….people who have been deep in despair and unforgiveness. Their lives have lost any true meaning or sense of direction and purpose. They have been so abused and lied to that they cannot imagine their future being any better. Or, they are just surviving, in denial and living each day, not knowing there is a 'light at the end of their tunnel.' Most of the individuals we share with are believers, Christians; have accepted Jesus as the son of God and have begun a life of faith in Him. Yet still, they haven't fully recognized this 'abundant life' He came to give. They've been 'saved' but not living abundantly. One day someone shares more of this life their Heavenly Father has for them. They hear a message or fully face their fears and denial, knowing they long for so much more. Light of the revelation of God’s Truth becomes evident, and the principle of forgiveness and recognizing the need to practice this in our lives sets us free.
And dear friends, this is not just a one-time practice. For many, it is a newly wide-open door to realize forgiveness and freedom fully. But for all of us, as we grow in our faith and move on in years, we understand that forgiveness must be a daily practice in our lives. Walking in freedom means just that….walking and moving forward. Developing a habit pattern of forgiveness each day. That is where forgiveness truly lives.
“Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them.”
At the beginning of this year (2021), we shared a challenge. The Forgiveness Challenge. I knew it would mean that God would probably remind me daily to forgive. The minor offenses, the HUGE ones that involve loved ones (or not so-loved ones), and the ones that kept popping up in my life (and memory). With some acts of offense, the offender may not have realized they even offended me. I just took on something in my mind and heart that would bother me all day. And yes, eventually, I would finally stop and say out loud, 'Okay, God, I get it. I forgive him or her.' It didn't necessarily require me to go to that person. Of course, if I realized words were spoken that needed to be addressed, not to hinder the relationship in the future, then yes, a loving confrontation was necessary. But I found that often, it simply required me STOPPING and recognizing the offense I carried, and then verbally to God, speaking out, "I forgive.' Sometimes easy, sometimes not. But I did it, and I feel like I am further down the road with this than I was 11 months ago. Even in the mess of this year (who thought 2021 could bring even greater discord, anger, and unrest than 2020?), I will admit and possibly warn you, though, the longer we practice this and are diligent in forgiveness, the more opportunities to forgive surround us. We live in a brutal, confusing, and unforgiving world. Just get in your car and drive down the road. Or look on Facebook. Or have relationships. Or do or don’t wear a mask…or do or don’t get vaccinated. Enough said.
But there is a PEACE and FREEDOM and JOY that accompanies this life of obeying the principles of God. There is a GRACE today He offers us. I looked up the word grace the other day in an 1828 dictionary (I'm a word nerd):
“Grace...the divine influence of the Spirit—in renewing the heart and restraining from sin.”
In this forgiveness thing, I continue to ask God for grace – that divine influence of the Spirit, renewing my heart and restraining me (hold me back) from sinning — by holding onto unforgiveness. I definitely have more peace, joy, and freedom when I am willing to let go.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.”
You know, when I started writing this blog posting today, this is not what I wanted to say. I had a story from Latvia. But for some reason, these words came. So, I'm trusting they are timely. Next time, a story. For today, nearly 11 months into 2021, may I once again turn your attention towards daily, continual forgiveness? If you want to remind yourself of the challenge, see the blog posting from Jan. 12th this year. It is never too late to forgive. Oftentimes, relationships are much more important than ‘being right’. Recognize it, speak it out, receive God's mercy and grace, and move forward. If there ever was a time to forgive daily, we are living in it. Without God's forgiveness, grace, and mercy— embracing His principles—how will we face 2022 with peace and freedom?
Yachats on the Oregon Coast
A place where God continually speaks to my heart