The Power of Forgiveness

How easy it is to preach and tell people about the power of forgiveness! Well,in my opinion, it is easy said than done! I have been hurt by people I considered my close friends. I have been betrayed by people I trusted. I have been disappointed by people I went out of my way to help. I have been despised by people I treasured! I can go on and on.... I know how it feels to struggle with forgiveness! Logic says, "Tit-for-tat is a fair game." Or "If you hurt me once, I ain't going to let you hurt me again!" Forgiveness says, "If you hurt me I will still love you. I'll take a risk of loving you again even though you may not love me back." 

Er, what about when someone keeps harming/hurting you and never say sorry? Tough! Nevertheless, one must be willing to forgive with or without an apology! In my devotion and reflections tonight, I've read Genesis 33. If I were Esau and my brother Jacob checks in unceremoniously! Considering he conned me my birthright some 10+ yrs ago, would I run to meet, embrace and kiss my con bro? Would I be merciful and gracious to him? Come with me and let's look at Luke 6:29: Matt 5:39. It says, "If someone strikes you on one cheek,turn to him th other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic." Am not sure how easy this is but am hopeful,Ezekiel 36:26 is applicable, "I (LORD) will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." 

After reading and reflecting on the above passages I can say this: 

1. Forgiveness defies logic 

2. Forgiveness goes beyond our natural bend. It's not natural. 

3. Forgiveness makes us feel as if we are appearing weak to others. As we show love to those who've hurt/despised us, we heap coals of fire upon their head. 

4. Forgiveness requires risk. If you love, u put yourself in a position to be disappointed,rejected,taken for granted. 

I've realized that I tend to pull back to guard myself from any further pain or disappointment whenever someone hurts me. And this brings me my last point that: 

5. To forgive requires work. It's not an instant event in the mind but an ongoing act. 

In conclusion, I admit it's not easy,I know this too well because I have had my share of struggle to forgive some people. I realize that forgiveness is not about how good you feel about forgiving someone but it's about obedience to God. Only God can work in our hearts and prepare us to embrace and kiss people who've hurt,despised,betrayed us. Only the Holy Spirit can help us. 

Forgiveness brings healing, unspeakable joy and peace in our hearts. 

With love 

Kachel