Forgiveness....Author Philip Yancey calls forgiveness "an unnatural act. If you have ever been truly hurt then you know how tough it can be to offer forgiveness. Hurt is closely connected with trust. We trust someone to have our best interest in our relationship with them. It can be a family member or a friend or even an acquaintance but I think being hurt by a friend is one of the toughest. We play over and over in our minds what happened when we were hurt. This is not ever going to bring healing. We must begin the process, taking the first step as memories flood our minds by thinking about what the Scriptures teach. Yes, it is unnatural to forgive, but it brings joy and peace when we do. In Matthew 18:21-35 we are commanded to offer forgiveness to others who have committed wrongs against us. Forgiving someone allows us to get over what was done and move forward. It opens our hearts up to be REFILLED for future experiences that will surely come our way as long as we are living. When we do not forgive, anger which is harbored, turns to bitterness and walls are built up in our minds and heart and our faces show it. Jesus Christ made it clear to a man named, Peter. Peter asked the question in Matthew 18:21 "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?". In verse 22 Jesus says " I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." In other words, you forgive so many times you don't remember the first time you forgave. All the beauty creams in the world cannot erase bitterness. A beautiful heart radiates from the inside out and the face of one spent trusting God for the outcome WILL radiate. The beautiful winter rose that appeared on my rose bush is a stark contrast to the dull leaves around it this time of the year. It is radiant! Who do you need to forgive? Who do I need to forgive? We know where to begin. May we look to God for the grace and love He so lavishes upon us each and every day! Even in the quietness of your home you can be renewed, refreshed, and restored! You don't have to have a holiday.....you just look UP! "They looked to HIM and were radiant. And their faces were not ashamed." Psalm 34:5
