Forgiveness Is A One Way Street

Today starts a week long online look into the “Power of Forgiveness”. . Forgiveness can release the hurt, anger and bitterness, freeing you from the hurt inside you. It can be just freeing to you as the person you forgave, but we need to be quick to forgive and slow to resent.
 
Have you ever been wronged by someone? I mean really hurt to the core? It’s probably happened to all of us a time or two in our lives. The pain is worsened when someone close to us does it, such as family, friends or fellow Christians.
Natural human reactions can be revenge, anger, bitterness, or even disillusionment. We often protect ourselves by drawing away from the offender. This may lead to isolation from everyone into a self-imposed exile of loneliness.
Waiting for the offender to make things right is usually pointless. The offender either doesn’t realize the damage they’ve done through their words or actions, or they just don’t care. Your suffering means nothing to the offender. They couldn’t care less! The injured one carries the hurt.
 
The Lord Jesus showed us a higher way. He taught us by example to forgive. He said, as He hung on the cross dying,
“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 NLT)

“Forgive them? You ask. They haven’t asked my forgiveness.” But forgiveness is a one-way street. When Jesus forgave those who crucified Him, they had not asked for forgiveness. Jesus would have never forgiven them if their asking were the prerequisite. No. Not only did He forgive them, He also did not hold it to their account.

As you forgive others, a remarkable thing happens. The hurt, anger, and bitterness, from which you suffer, will be released as well, being freed from the hurt that is eating you up. Though you may never be asked for your forgiveness and never know you did forgiven them, in God’s eyes it will be official. They are forgiven and you are free! Released the grudge You are carrying.
 
So if you should find yourself walking down Bitterness Road, or Betrayal Lane, having been wronged, stop and turn right on Forgiveness Way. It will lead you away from the Angry Acres gated community, to the land of peace. Remember, there is no going back because Forgiveness is a one-way Street!

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