Did I Really Forgive?

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:31,32

Have you ever had a situation occur that made you upset at the time, but then time passed, and you thought you were over it? And then you went about your life, right?

Well, just this morning right after I woke up, the Holy Spirit brought to remembrance a situation I was involved in that I had long since forgotten. As I was thinking about all of the details of the scenario, (also wondering why I was thinking about something that had happened over 12 years ago), I realized that I was there! I mean, I was right back there in the thick of it, and experiencing the culmination of all those emotions. And boy was I ANGRY...and hurt, and resentful. And given the opportunity I could have possibly hurt somebody!! I was actually thinking thoughts of how I could get this person back! (After all these years!)

Finally, my saved, rational mind kicked in, (thank God!) and I realized that I had to FORGIVE. Passively sweeping things under the rug or allowing the passage of time does not invoke forgiveness. I realize that I have to be an active participant in this and extend forgiveness and compassion even if I feel I was in the 'RIGHT'!

Well, just what does 'being right' really matter in the grand scheme of things? Concerning myself with being right boils down to a matter of ego. And no matter how many times I slay that ugly dragon, it keeps resurrecting itself! Dying to self is a daily task that I have to deal with. But back to the issue at hand - forgiveness:

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13

Jesus said we are to forgive seventy times seven. What better example of forgiveness than His life can we look at? He laid down His life for us - for our salvation and subsequent forgiveness of sins through Him. All I have to do is be obedient to His Word, which includes forgiving others...not die for anybody. Sounds real simple in comparison, huh?

Then He encourages us with the fact that "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9) Whew!

His own daily acts of forgiveness, should be enough to throw me to my knees in thanksgiving for His forgiveness, mercy and love DAILY - and spur me to forgive others DAILY, just as He does for me- not harboring it for years.

Lord, I thank you for the 'heads up' on the unforgiveness issue. And thanks for 'having my back'! Our God is sovereign and more than worthy to be praised! \0/