How can I forgive someone who does not even deserve it?
Should I forgive when there is no apology?
Why does God say that He will forgive us as we forgive others?
In pondering these doo-dads that float around inside my brain, I go to the source for my answers. The Word of God teaches that He will forgive us as we forgive others. He also says that the heart is deceitful above all things (Jer.17:9). Does that mean my heart too?
So as I read further I understand that the wicked, evil person is being called back to God, because God loves us all. And as I draw near to him, I am changed. As I allow Him to fill my heart, I am overwhelmed with His thoughts and His ways.
This is what God says about the contrite and humble spirit:
Isaiah 57: 18. I have seen his ways, and will heal him. I will lead him also and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. 19. I create the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord, and I will heal him.
But, of the wicked God says:
Isaiah. 57:20. But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. 21. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him: and our God, for he will abundantly parden. 8. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, either are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
Dear Lord,
Today I ask for the spirit of forgiveness. I ask also, that you forgive me in like manner. Every day is a new day. Every day I try to do the right thing. Every day I fall short. Let me see You in my thoughts and in my actions. Deliver me from anger and resentment. Let my thoughts rest upon your Hope for a Heaven where Your peace will fill my days.
Amen.
And now... Gracie
Even though I was left out in the cold for a total of 30 minutes with no blanket, no food and no water (only icy snow laying on the ground) while you forgot about me and did whatever you do in that office of yours (which probably consists of eating fried chicken and watching television while you pretend that your dog does not exist) I forgive you, Mom. And I love you. And could you please bring me a warm blanket. Preferably the kind that plugs into the wall... and a cookie. And while your at it can you scratch my ear... I think I might've got a bug outside. Thanks Mom.
Oh, Gracie. You poor, forgotten puppy! Glad you are back in the warmth of the home!
ReplyDeleteBobbi, Keeping you and yours in my prayers. God bless your weekend.
With God's love in our hearts, we can forgive:) Not as easy as it sounds but with God's help, ALL things are possible! Sending hugs and prayers to you and Gracie!
ReplyDeleteFORGIVENESS is a good thing. May you find comfort in it.
ReplyDeleteForgiving can be hard sometimes, but it is harder to forget. It is possible with His help.
ReplyDeleteNow, Gracie, even if you didn't think Mom was watching you, she would not have left you out there. She watches you as the Father watches you. Sometimes you have to wait for that door to open.
Forgiveness, what a beautiful gift.
ReplyDeleteWith forgiveness comes Gods' greatest reward, peace of mind. Bless you.
ReplyDeleteOh no Gracie we think you deserve more than one cookie and we suggest milking it for all it is worth.
Best wishes Molly
Forgiveness can take time.....like a lot of things.
ReplyDeleteIt took me a few years to forgive an employer for the way he bullied me for 3 years. You know what finally enabled me to forgive Bobbi? I realized that he was unhappy and running scared. He was in his own 'pain'.
I love your new header!!! Yes forgiveness is a tough thing to give-but I've asked the Lord several times to give me His forgiveness because I just didn't have it-He did. Thank you for sharing this powerful post and I'm thankful Gracie got to come inside!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Noreen & Hunter
What is the saying, "We all want to GET forgiveness, but find it so hard to GIVE". *sigh* I wrestle with the same issues from time to time. Hard stuff.
ReplyDelete(((Gracie)))) It was only 30 minutes, you must indeed forgive Bobbi!
ReplyDelete(((Bobbi))) I read somewhere (Purpose Driven Life to be exact by Rick Warren) that we must forgive, but that doesn't mean we need to forget what someone has done to us and they have to earn trust back with us. So yes, we must always forgive, not forgiving I think opens the door for bitterness and so much more) but we don't have to accept those that hurt us back in with complete trust.
I think, sadly, we all have a deceitful heart, its just part of who we became after the fall of Adam and Eve, but it is comforting He always forgives us and will heal us.
betty