For some reason the theme of forgiveness keeps coming back into my thinking. Personal? Possibly but I think there’s something greater than just me. I’ve written about forgiveness, the Word tells us we have to forgive to be forgiven, there are countless books on forgiveness… and then it struck me – as with most important issues, it’s a matter of will. We have to want to forgive.
The ‘how to’ of forgiveness has to begin with our own decision, our own desire to forgive – unconditionally. That’s the key. Granted, you can start with less than a noble reason but eventually the unconditional basis has to be determined. Now if you’ve already reached that understanding – excellent, if not then think about it – personally. Don’t forget – in many respects our own personal freedom rests on our willfulness to forgive.
Going through the motions of forgiveness is only wasted energy and isn’t truthful plus it gives mixed messages to others. Why bother? The appearance won’t last and it requires a lot of energy to sustain. Besides, at some point something you say or do will give you away that you really haven’t forgiven.
When you forgive unconditionally you can’t hold anything in reserve. You can’t, even in some small way, get back at the other person or play the martyr role. You have to look to how the Father forgives you as your behavior. Does He require you to prove anything? If so, then you have the right to expect that from the other. However, if He forgives unconditionally…. you will have to as well.
