The Bible clearly tells us that we have to forgive. Matthew 6:14 tells us to forgive others for the wrongs they do to us so that our Father in Heaven can forgive us (CEV). Psalm 103:12 says that God removes our sins as far from us as the East is from the West (NLT).
If we use God‘s word as an example for how we are to forgive, it sounds like He wants us to
forgive and forget. That of course, is contrary to everything that we're taught in the world, which is that forgiving doesn't mean that you're going to forget. In those moments, we want to step out of community with that “toxic” person and go our separate ways. I’m sure there are some situations that require that.
But that’s not what the Holy Spirit told me. I bet that there's someone reading this right now who feels deeply in their spirit that God is not calling you to step out of relationship with your person either. So how do we reconcile that? It comes down to forgiving with God. The human part of us may not readily forget, but that’s just a place where we're weak. Remember, the Bible reminds us that God’s strength is made perfect in [our] weakness (2 Cor 12:9 KJV).
Think of your most egregious hurt. Now think of how you have tried to forgive. Be honest, did you invite God into that space? Or did you go it alone? How do we even invite God in there?
May I submit to you that it's as simple as asking God for help to forgive AND forget each time the thought comes up. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. that the thought comes up. I imagine it gets easier to forget. Like breaking a bone. Hear me out. I broke my foot once and I couldn’t put any pressure on it. Couldn’t walk or stand. It was painful for several weeks. Even when I thought I was healed, something would happen (i.e. I’d spend too much time on my feet that day) and it would remind me that, “Nope, you’re not healed yet. You need more time.” But now, the broken foot is a distant memory. I don’t FEEL the pain. I don’t even remember what it felt like then. I only remember that there was pain once upon a time.
Allow me to make you this promise, the break that has caused YOU so much unforgiveness
won’t always hurt like it’s hurting right now. Let us pray together:
Dear God, I come to you right now and I asked for prayer on behalf of myself and every person reading this blog right now. Help us make a decision today to not only forgive, but to forget the offense. Even if it feels impossible to forget right now, we declare that You, Lord, are bigger than our worst hurt and through You all things are possible.
God I pray that the hurt that my friend is experiencing right now continues to lessen until they can throw it into a sea of forgetfulness.
Lord, I understand that this can't be done without Your help. This isn't something that we can accomplish on our own. So God, I am asking for Your help today. I am asking for Your help to teach us how to forgive the way that You forgive us. Give us the enabling grace to walk out or forgiveness every day and with every person. From the stranger in the car in front of us while driving, to the person who is close to us that hurt us deeply. God I thank you that You are continuing to show us how to do this and that You are forgiving us as we forgive others. Thank you for helping us to be more like you daily. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
If you're ready to heal your heart, embrace bold self-love, and strengthen your relationship with God, get started with this month's transformative bundle. Good Cries guides you through the emotional release needed to leave old baggage behind, forget the trauma, and forgive God and yourself while Loving Boldly helps you build a strong foundation of self-love and faith.
Comments