Letting Go
Theme of the Week: Release from Resentment
Saturday, November 1, 2003
 1 of 1
Q. Describe what forgiveness is—and is not.
A. Forgiveness isn't some fuzzy, sentimental concept or a feeling. Nor is it forgetting—God doesn't passively forget our sins; He actively chooses not to remember them. Nor is forgiving excusing. Forgiveness is necessary because somebody did something wrong and inexcusable.
Instead, forgiveness is an act of the will, a conscious decision to fully and freely pardon our offender. When we forgive another we break down the wall that has arisen between us and open the way for a rejuvenated relationship. We set our wife, son, or daughter free from the penalty of being separated from us. This is a costly act, for our human nature enjoys dredging up past wrongs and flinging them back in a person's face.
What does really forgiving involve?
I must make four promises:
- I won't brood over this incident.
- I won't dwell on this incident, bringing it up again to use it against you.
- I won't talk to others about this incident.
- I won't allow this incident to create distance between us or hinder our relationship.
God models this kind of forgiveness. I can do no less than respond to others in the same way. Regardless of how painful the offense is, by making these promises—and delivering on them—I can, with God's help, imitate the forgiveness and reconciliation God offered me on the cross. By the grace of God—and only by His grace—I can forgive as He has forgiven me.
—Ken Sande, an attorney, is the president of Peacemaker Ministries.
Adapted from Peacemaking for Families (Tyndale, 2002) by permission. All rights reserved by Peacemaker Ministries (www.HisPeace.org).
Copyright © 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.
1 of 1
I'm tired, Lord, of being governed by grievances. Please show me how to break loose from vindictiveness.
Men of Integrity
Connect with God | Transform my Mind | Live by His Power
Relate Better | Make an Impact
Home | Archives | Contact Us
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Try an Issue of Men of Integrity
Free!
|
 |
|
No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders.
If you decide you want to keep Men of Integrity coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless.
Give Men of Integrity as a gift
Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
