It's easy for God to do right? It is the idea and for him a fact, yet we are so human and self-aware that when we forgive, we may be truthful and totally full of intent, but still we do not forget.
This makes it so hard to sort of "move on" and be reconciled. We hold onto words, emotions, images, negativity, actions, and so on. So criticism, though I invite it to make me a better, more effective person, I crumble underneath a harsh comment or a rough tone. God has worked on me with this one, to be strong in the presence of sharp commentary, such as from a demanding boss or revengeful foe.
I am a lover of words. Words move my soul, heart, and mind. I feel loved when one uses words to love on me. On the flip side, I feel dishonored and disrespected with words as well. Words hurt and heal me.
When God utters words such as: "You are forgiven", "You are my child", "You are my treasure", "You are the masterpiece of creation", "You are the pinnacle of my creativity", "You are free". I not only believe these things, but I am filled with hope and the stamina to take another step, to live another day.
God help me to be like you...to forgive and forget.
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Here are some nuggets of forgiveness I found in Psalm 103:
3 He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
4 He saves my life from the grave
and loads me with love and mercy.
5 He satisfies me with good things
and makes me young again, like the eagle.
10 He has not punished us as our sins should be punished;
he has not repaid us for the evil we have done.
11 As high as the sky is above the earth,
so great is his love for those who respect him.
12 He has taken our sins away from us
as far as the east is from west.
13 The Lord has mercy on those who respect him,
as a father has mercy on his children.
17 But the Lord's love for those who respect him
continues forever and ever,
and his goodness continues to their grandchildren
18 and to those who keep his agreement
and who remember to obey his orders.
The Holy Bible, New Century Version®.
Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
2 comments:
That's why it is so important to be a person of short lists. Not only do we need to forgive, we need to cross it off our list as well. If we don't mentally cross it off our list, the next time forgiveness is required, uhoh, we've got two on our list. And so the list grows. "Where forgiveness is required, it is FULLY and freely given" (crossed and wiped clean) not to be brought up again. Speaking those words and having them spoken to you is amazingly freeing. Vicki
Oh, by the way, these thoughts sound like the beginning of a good sermon from a pastor I think very highly of. V
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