I was reading my devotional today, and this scripture came up talking about obedience and forgiveness. I know that we are to forgive those we have things against, and that Jesus said in his prayer example, that we should forgive so that we can be forgiven.
2 Corinthians 2:9-11 For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
So often I have made so many excuses about forgiving people that have hurt me, and in particular one situation where I blamed someone for changing my whole life that I’d had planned out. It took me a long time to realize that even if I didn’t FEEL like forgiving them, like in this verse, I HAD to forgive them to be obedient to God.
It had become a habit after so many years to go over the bad things whenever the name came up in my head/heart, and I had to make it a HABIT to NOT go over the bad things, but to pray to God for help to forgive, and to pray for God’s Blessings on them, knowing only He can heal my hurting heart.
This scripture goes on to say to me that God forgives them AS I forgive them, and then it goes on further and says that it is for OUR OWN SAKES that He has forgiven them, because Satan can take advantage of us through our anger… at least that is what I believe this is talking about. 
At the time, I prayed and prayed for what I wanted to happen, but it didn't. It wasn't that God didn't listen or answer my prayers, it was that He knew best and said, "No." In other situations, He has said "Wait."
As to that other situation, over the years, that person and I have again become friends, AND God has shown me that HE had a different plan for my life, for I wouldn’t have met and married Mike or had my wonderful kids and grandkids if things had gone according to MY plan…
(Pic. from 1995)
5 comments:
Oh how true - sometimes we mess up his plan. I too Linda have learned forgiveness - a couple of times where I didn't think it was possible - but eventually it was.
Great post.
sandie
I think if we can forgive, we free up ourselves from becoming bitter; I read in the Purpose Driven Life years ago we should forgive but we don't have to forget the hurt somone might have caused and they have to earn back our trust; that freed me a lot with forgiveness issues. I too, like you, Linda, pray for them to be blessed and in the process I find I have forgiven them and truly do want them to be blessed by our Lord
betty
We free ourselves when we are finally able to forgive. It's really a gift to ourselves, isn't it?
Loved your post today Linda!
Great post. The more I can forgive, the more I can open my heart to new experiences and all that is good. The photo of your family is beautiful!
Hey Linda!
What a wonderful post on forgiveness. I agree with what Betty said about how we need to forgive but we can't forget what someone has done to us in the past. We need to be on guard with them until they win our trust over again. I have a few in the family that are like that right now, unfortunately. Life still goes on without them but it is a sad situation.
Lovely picture of your family!
Hugs,
Angela
Post a Comment