FORGIVENESS

It is impossible to get through life without experiencing the pain of betrayal, disappointment, rejection, abuse or hardship inflicted by people in our lives. The challenge is how we respond. The apostle Paul gives us the victorious Christian response.

Colossians 3:12-14 Put on therefore, as the elect (chosen) of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness; humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another and forgiving one another. If any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And, above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Forgiveness involves receiving God's enabling grace that is necessary for us to forgive. While speaking the words of forgiveness is important, forgiveness involves a healing process that often takes time to complete.

Forgiveness is not easy. It invokes releasing any desire for revenge or retaliation. Your love for God should be so great, it motivates you to aspire to forgive as you have been forgiven.