A recent blog post underscored what forgiveness is NOT, so now we turn the tables and look at what forgiveness IS.
The following is a collection of ideas from several sources we use at GateWay to help our women deal with the difficult topic of forgiveness.
Forgiveness is …
• Choosing to keep no record of wrongs (as based in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5)
• The process of letting go
• Refusing to punish the person who hurt you
• Using discretion in sharing facts about the hurt
• To give up getting even
• Refusing to replay the past
• “Surrendering your right to hurt those who have hurt you.” – Dr. Archibald Hart
• A choice / your decision
• A gift you give yourself
• Returning to God His right to be the Judge
• Purging negative thoughts and feelings
• The healing which draws out the poison
• “The key which unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred.” – Corrie ten Boom
In our next blog post, we’ll look at some of the practical ways to work toward forgiveness. We hope you’ll join us here.
©2013 GateWay of Hope Ministries
Oh, thank you for giving clarity to what forgiveness IS! These ideas are so helpful, and are condensed enough to commit to memory for tools to overcome negative thoughts and emotions.
We’re so glad this is helpful, Andy. Keep watching our blog for a few more posts on forgiveness.