Forgiveness

The other day, I achieved a personal victory. Now I am finally able to talk about forgiveness. I wasn't able to in the past because I wasn't really sure if I've TRULY forgiven the people who hurt me. 

Considering my condition, I can't help but do a heart check from time to time. Then, a realization came. Jesus CHOSE to forgive while he was still on the cross.

While men were mocking him; while he was in extreme pain and dying; while people doubted him and refused to understand him, rejected, betrayed, isolated.....He still said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."

Pain in his heart and body didn't stop him from doing the right thing. He was so humble and obedient. My work now is to follow in his footsteps; to be more confident of my decision to forgive regardless of the pain and hurtful memories that are still in my mind and heart.

TRUE forgiveness heals us. As we decide and keep our motivation to do THE RIGHT THING, God blesses us with peace and joy. As we choose them daily, our hearts become freer and freer.

As for those who have hurt us, God truly and definitely still loves them (which I had a hard time understanding before). Jesus also died and was raised for them. Though they might face the consequences of their hurtful actions and words, God still has plans for them. It is UP TO HIM to judge them. 

Just like them, I, too, will be judged. Just like them, I, too, will be expectant of his promise of mercy and kindness.