
The Meaning of Forgiveness
Forgiveness does not imply that what happened was appropriate and fair.
It does not imply that your boundaries weren’t crossed.
It does not imply that you are not hurting.
It does not imply that you will allow such behavior in the future.
It does not imply that you wish to stay in touch with this person.
It does not imply that you are asking for an apology, neither does it imply that you received one.
“Forgiveness is often thought of as an emotion”, writes Bradley Pearson. It is not that. It is rather a certain kind of cessation of emotion. One way to think of forgiveness is as the cessation of anger, resentment, or some other hostile emotion (1)
Gather the hurt, the brokenness, the anger, the resentment along with your shattered pieces and put them at the feet of Your Creator. Make your intention clear to God, and He shall strengthen you and make forgiveness possible for you.
Forgiveness implies that you will not return the hurt.It does imply strength, self-discipline and deep faith.
It does imply that you trust Your Creator.
It does imply that you rely on Divine Justice.
It does imply that you are surrendering to God.
It does imply that you are following The Lord Jesus as a role model of Forgiveness.
It does imply you are abiding by His Word.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:14-15)
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25)
(1) Forgiveness without God? – Glen Pettigrove.