Forgiveness is defined as the act of excusing a mistake or offense; compassionate feelings that support a willingness to forgive. So many times when forgive someone we see it as an attack of our own pride. When we view it as an attack we don't realize that we really haven't forgiven. One of the hardest things to do is forgive yourself for the things you have done. It is so hard, in fact, most of us do not forgive ourselves. We may say that we have but the way we live our lives prove that we haven't.
I think that oftentimes we feel a weakness for giving ourselves permission to forgive someone who has hurt us. We allow the mistake or offense to become a bigger part of our lives than necessary. We conduct our lives differently because of what someone else has done to us. If you think about all the things someone has said and done to you, you may realize that you are living your life according to what was said and done. You have given them direct power over your life... a power they may never realize they have. They now control your thoughts about yourself and others. They control how you live your life.
"I, even I, am he who blots out
your transgressions, for my own sake,
and remembers your sins no more.
Review the past for me,
let us argue the matter together;
state the case for your innocence."
Isaiah 43:25-26
Forgiveness frees you. It makes you whole again. It allows you to live the life that God has blessed you with. It's not always easy to forgive but I believe in taking the road less traveled. There is something about forgiveness that makes me smile. Forgiveness gives me a new light. Every time I forgive someone I take a little bit of my power back. Forgiveness opens you up to new possibilities.. So for me, I will forgive.
I forgive you for calling me anything other than my name. I forgive me for answering to it. I forgive you for cheating on me. I forgive me for thinking that it was my fault. I forgive you for saying I would never amount to anything. I forgive me for believing it. I forgive you for not being there for me. I forgive me for taking that pain into my life. I forgive you for everything you have done to me. I forgive me for everything I have done to myself.
I feel so much better. I'm holding my head higher. My heart is no longer heavy. My future is already brighter. Look at what the power of forgiveness can do!!!
I Speak Thoughts
Forgiveness can be extremely hard. I had to learn to forgive and then forgive myself for having bitter thoughts towards someone. But you are completely correct..forgiveness frees you and lightens your load. When you hold anger towards someone you are only giving that person power over you because they know that their actions hurt you...so forgive...doesn't mean you forget it just means that you are over the past and are moving on from it..it's an action of love and it shows that you are a bigger person by forgiving...good post Erica!
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