Let's be real, I need forgiveness and its buddies grace and mercy daily.
You do too.
It doesn't feel good to need it, and
It doesn't feel good to ask for it, but
It does feel good to receive it.
Let's be clear, forgiveness is not earned.
It is given and received.
Notice I didn't say given or received.
In have found that the more I give forgiveness and its buddies grace and mercy,
the more I receive it.
To give forgiveness is a gift to yourself.
You are acknowledging a wrong and letting go of your right to get even.
You are no longer consumed with an eye for an eye, and you free yourself to move forward. In the process you are taking control of the situation.
Hopefully you have gained valuable lessons moving forward.
To ask for forgiveness is a step towards personal growth.
You are acknowledging the harm you have caused and accepting your consequences.
You are no longer consumed with defending yourself.
In the process you are growing in humility and wisdom.
Forgiveness has two buddies, grace and mercy.
Grace is not giving me what I deserve.
In a court of law, it would be not sending me to jail.
On the playground, it would be letting me finish my game even though recess is over.
Mercy is giving something enjoyable instead of something painful.
In a court of law, it would be giving me a social worker to link me to resources.
On the playground, it would be cheering for me until the game ends.
When you have been wronged,
grace looks like not rehearsing every detail of the wrong, and
mercy looks like choosing not to bring it up in every conversation.
Throughout the lifetime of a human, forgiveness will be needed many times.
Without forgiveness we are left with bitterness, anger, and pain.
Unforgiveness is like carrying around a hot coal,
hoping someone else gets burned.
Forgiveness is like blocking the air flow so that the coal burns out.
With forgiveness we are filled with peace, confidence, and understanding.
I forgive you.
Will you forgive me?
I forgive myself.
Learn them and practice them often.
Lightbulb Moment! Forgiveness is a part of personal growth and healing.
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