Forgive and forget! Now, that’s a hard one.
We say we have forgiven, but we put that forgiveness in the bank, store it there for credit, then expect payback— with interest.
The wrongs others do to us are great at playing hide-and-seek. We let go for the moment then bring them back at the opportune time. So our hearts are still burdened.
“Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?’
Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven‘ ” Matthew 18:21,22.
At seven times we could probably then say, “I’m done.” But Jesus was implying that we are never done in trying to make peace with one another. Forgiving is, of course, easier that forgetting. Maybe forgetting is not possible or is necessary to prevent being hurt for the same reasons. Remembering the hurt is not the same thing as clinging to the hurt and allowing it to affect other relationships.
Forgiving frees you of a heavy load of bitterness and lifts a heavy heart, even if another does not seek forgiveness, I’ve learned in life that with God’s help you are in control of two things: Yourself and your attitude about everything else.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18.
Have a blessed day!
In Christian love,
Diane