"Playing With Forgiveness"

I love how our lives are interchangeably laced. I do not begin to understand for a moment how it works.
Nonetheless, I am thankful.

My friend posted these words...

''In ministry, the thing that hurts the most is seeing the minister hurt. Even though the action was most discouraging for the minister, he quietly says of the action, "It was a lack of wisdom." And then I watch him keep on loving...''

my response: "interesting that you should say this..tonight I was speaking with a friend regarding a couple people (within the family of believers) who have hurt someone, and this someone was struggling with how to respond...and Jesus spoke to their heart and said "just love them"....very tough to do sometimes...but in the end when we stand before our great and mighty God, the thing that will matter most,.. when at His feet we fall ......is the mercy we hope to receive,... and the mercy we gave..."

What I didn't tell her?..

I was the person who was hurting....And even though I had extended 'love' to them,-- in the back of my mind and in the secret folds of my heart...I still felt justified, in my hidden hurt and anger towards them. Outwardly, I had offered forgiveness, inwardly I was still harboring the pain. (because...., I secretly told myself...after all!!..'I was right, and they were wrong')

 The secret place of unforgiveness, only allows the pain to be inflicted over and over and somehow, this secret place will  insidiously infect other areas of our life....

*Avoiding Gods' Word, *not wanting to pray, *feelings of superiority, *not tithing, *avoiding church, *drinking to forget,*unorganized, *hoarding, *financial distress, *depression, *anger, *isolation, *self loathing, *hatred ..and the list goes on and on....

I found myself thinking about how I had done the right, and they were still wrong..,That is not forgiveness. And that is why I remained in bondage to them. I was carrying the pain. And giving everything about the situation......power undeserved. 

I knew in this moment of mercy...it was time to....finally forgive and move on. Sometimes, we play with forgiveness. ( I know I have). Offering forgiveness, doesn't mean....they are not wrong, nor does it give them permission to hurt again. Nor should you put yourself in a position to be hurt again.

But, offering true forgiveness is a point for freedom to begin...and to finally realize, that in the end--- it is mercy offered that begins the process of setting you free from the repercussions of the original hurt!!!

He has told me... to 'just love them'...and I know that my definition of love is often not the same as His....but I will ask Him to give me strength to do what He tells me..because I know it is for my good.

I know, in the end, we will each stand alone before the God who gave us breath! For truly,  it is the condition of our own heart, and eternity that is at stake.  

1 Peter 4 speaks: "The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.  Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins."

He will deal with them in their last moment..just as He will each of us. 

So leave the rest to Him, and go live your life in freedom. Isn't it time? Think it through; 'Have you been playing with forgiveness?'