Forgiveness is a Choice, Not a Feeling
by Leslie Yeaton Koepke
Forgiving someone who has mistreated you isn’t easy. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you approve of the behavior or the sinful wrong that was done to you or someone else. Neither does it mean that you forget. Each time you remember is an invitation to turn to God and say, “Here, Father, You take this memory, this emotion, this wound and help me to forgive the way that You do—generously and completely.” Forgiveness is a spiritual discipline. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you’ll be reconciled or become friends with the person who caused the harm. Dangerous people and circumstances need to be avoided and guarded against. Forgiveness and reconciliation will always require sacrifice, a “giving for” the person who should be blamed and a resolute choice to walk the path that Jesus walked—the path of forgiveness. It’s Biblical
Jesus often taught on forgiveness and reconciliation with His followers. Read Matthew 5:1-12. Spend some time thinking through each of the blessings Jesus offers. Then read Psalm 139. Is there someone you need to forgive?
This article appeared in XOLRC"> Brio magazine om May 2007. Copyright © 2007 Leslie Yeaton Koepke. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain: and when he had sat down, his disciples came unto him: 5:2 and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying, 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 5:6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God. 5:10 Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 5:11 Blessed are ye when `men' shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you. |
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