Hello Everyone!
We’ve all had times when someone hurt our feelings, or maybe said something that caused us pain. Maybe we were the ones who caused pain to another. They – or we – may have even meant well. Last week I had someone call me to apologize and ask forgiveness for something that was meant well, but caused me pain. I was so touched by this person’s humility and heart, and immediately, although I had forgiven it already, my heart went out to them.
Forgiveness is the key, for we are all human and forgiveness is really the result of love. Resentfulness, bitterness, anger – all have no place with love. God’s Word says that love never notices when others do things wrong. Love is patient and kind. We as Christians need to remember to love one another – something not always easy to do.
People are not perfect – yet He loves us. Therefore wouldn’t it be good to see others through God’s eyes? To see them through the eyes of love? That’s how the Lord sees them. That’s how He see us.
Forgiveness is freedom. Not only for the person who caused the hurt, but also for the person who was hurt. Otherwise, both are bound. Love is freedom and forgiveness is freedom – therefore love is forgiveness. It’s the key that opens prisons and sets the captives free. Love heals. Forgiveness heals. Love and forgiveness go hand in hand – they work together in many ways.
It’s hard to love without forgiveness and it’s hard to truly forgive without love. For God so loved the world that He gave His Son Jesus to die for us that we would be forgiven of our sins. Love and forgiveness includes sacrifice. God sacrificed His Son for our forgiveness. We also sometimes sacrifice to forgive as well. We may have to sacrifice our pride, anger, resentfulness, hurt – the list goes on and on. In return, we receive freedom, love and joy.
Forgiveness had many facets – but they all lead to love.
Blessings, Evelyn
I am so blessed that you wrote another blog. They always have much wisdom in them. Yes, Jesus, our Messiah, is our supreme example of love and forgiveness. We must follow His example. Thanks Ev for sharing your gift with us.
Dear Linda,
Thank you again for being so faithful in reading and commenting on the blogs! Yes, forgiveness is one of the most loving words – yet most people don’t think much of it. It’s especially meaningful when you can sense the person’s sincerity. Jesus is our wonderful example of forgiveness and love.
Blessings, Evelyn
Thanks again for another great Blog.
Dear Ardie and Walter,
To God be the glory! He is so good.
Blessings, Evelyn
Thanks, Evelyn. Your message is so full of God’s grace. True forgiveness has been one of the most difficult things to master in my life. It’s happened by degrees over decades and decades. When I turn my eyes to the Cross, I know Love is the answer, the only answer.
God bless you.
This blog is a gem, Ev. I like your written thought: “It’s hard to love without forgiveness and it’s hard to truly forgive without love.” It is profound. I keep thinking about it. Love always, Joanne
Dear Maude,
Thank you so much for sharing Maude. Yes, I think this is true for most. It does come over the years with maturity and I find it is also with the young child as well. Maybe that’s one reason why the Lord says to be as a child.
Blessings, Evelyn
Dear Joanne,
Thanks you so much for taking the time to comment.
Joanne, that statement was definitely wisdom from the Lord. I so love it when He gives me things that I could never think of myself. To God be all the glory!
Blessings, Evelyn
Dear Joanne,
Joanne, that statement was definitely wisdom from the Lord. I so love it when He gives me things that I could never think of myself. To God be all the glory!
Thanks you!
Blessings, Evelyn
Dear Ev,
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful words!
So true of love and forgiveness …they are like close inseparable sisters!
We love, because He first loved us and we forgive, because He first forgave us.
Thank you for Glorifying Him through your writings! Kath
Hi Kath,
Thank you so much for responding – so true – He loved and forgave us first. We are to become like Him and show His love and forgiveness to others. You are a good example of this, my friend!
Blessing, Evelyn