As Christians, forgiveness is key in living a life that pleases God. We must let go of grudges, let go of memories, and let go of the past.
This doesn’t mean that we are blind to what we went through, but rather, ideally, we gain wisdom and press on with grace. We have to let the hard things shape us into something better, rather than hold on to them and let them define us.
As always, we can find direction in God’s Word!
As Your Father forgives you
“…Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” -Colossians 3:13
“Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” -Ephesians 4:32
Forgiveness is key in living to our full potential. Letting go of the past, forgiving other’s offenses (real or imagined), not keeping record of wrongs, it is all important.
Even the love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13, reminds us of the importance of forgiveness. In order to be our best for God and those around us we must let go and press on.
Can I let you in on a little secret? No offense, no matter the size or details, will ever compare to the offense that God has forgiven for each of us. And you know what? He’s not up in heaven reminding us of our faulty past or guilting us about our daily struggles. He has perfected the art of forgiveness.
Let Go and Press On
I’ve read that you have to develop the art of forgetting and I think it is a valid point. The last thing any of us need to be doing is recalling and digging up the past, especially – and perhaps specifically – if it is something we need to let go.
You can’t let go and move ahead at the same time as you hold on and mull over something. Mulling over things doesn’t do any one any favors. Make the decision today to let go of the negative and press on towards the future.
Letting go and forgetting past hurts and misfortunes shouldn’t leave you blindsided, but rather you should learn what you can from them and let it adjust your parameters for pressing on accordingly. It is just another way of taking responsibility for your life.
Forgiveness Is Key
“I – yes, I alone – will blot out your sins for My own sake and will never think of them again.” Isaiah 43:25
Forgiving and forgetting go hand and hand. Not so that we are fools and blindly step into a similar situation again, but rather so that we aren’t haunted by the past. It is done and over and no amount of reviewing it will ever change it. So we are given the option of peace, of letting go, leaving it in God’s hands, and pressing on to become a better version of who we were yesterday.
Forgiveness isn’t always about our attitude towards other people, sometimes we need to look inward and forgive ourselves. Pray and ask God who or what you need to forgive and then make up your mind to do it!
Forgiveness is about being your best for God. About serving others remarkably well and bringing glory to His name. It’s not about the past and where we used to be. Let’s leave the past in the past, let go of grudges, and press on to run the race set before us!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2023/11/08/healing-from-loss/