Sometimes, despite all that we think, do and say, forgiveness doesn't seem to be there from God, others and from ourselves. Why is that? What is it about forgiveness that makes the transition to forgiven possible? Toby Mack has a song titled "Start Somewhere" that expounds upon this problem we all have. Examining ourselves and allowing the Holy Spirit to examine us is key to the process. Without insight and openness there is little need for us to even approach those issues in our lives that have given or continue to give us problems. There is a procession of thought and action that lead to forgiveness. Keep in mind that forgiveness is not necessarily forgetness. My computer doesn't like that word but it's accurate so I will keep it. The procession begins with that feeling that something isn't right. Something is out of place, disturbing and weighing on our hearts, minds and souls. We don't like it. We are uncomfortable. Maybe a bit depressed and feeling distant or off track Maybe all of these at once. When something isn't right people do one of two things. They either take action or they choose to avoid. Which you and I choose make all the difference in how we live. While many seek healing and wholeness; those who avoid choose to relive yesterday again and again.
Just because we are Christian we don't necessarily forgive or seek to forgive. Conversely, we don't necessarily accept reconciliation or offer it. There are lots of steps between the two extremes. The Bible tells us to forgive as we have been forgiven. I fail at that. I've failed at that in the past and I'll fail at forgiving in the future. Why? Because I'm a fallen creature who lets his fallen nature run parts of his life. While there is the drive on the Christian's part to forgive fellow Christians, we don't exercise the same standard for the rest of humanity. The attitude is that they are somehow less than and not deserving what we offer our Christian brothers and sisters is prevalent within and without the walls of the church. Pretending we have "arrived" we fail to do that act for others which we all to gladly receive from Christ...forgiveness. Yet, the hypocrisy continues to consume the Christian and the Christian church. Why can't we realize that we are all sinners in need of the forgiveness of Christ for being selfish and self absorbed?
I feel that part of the reason that I have problems with both giving and receiving forgiveness is that I'm afraid of what will happen if that were to actually happen. Maybe you feel that way too? The unknown tends to impede our growth in any and every area of life. People fear this or that and then use that fear as an excuse to not forgive and to not receive forgiveness. Forgiveness is an outgrowth of love. Love casts out fear. Love is the greatest of gifts. Love is what we are to show others in every area and walk of life. That means that we need to receive love in order to give it away. If we don't have love than the love of God does not reside in us. If we don't have love than we have rejected God even if we profess faith in Christ. The last caveat is looking at the evidence of when forgiveness has moved through us and those around us. Peace is restored. The conscious is cleared but not forgetting. As we go through the Christian life we need to so attune ourselves to receiving and giving forgiveness that we no longer become aware of wrongs or their devastation. William James said, "We may have a God in heaven who forgives us our sins. Mankind does not." Don't be like that. Have peace with God and man.
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