In the act of granting forgiveness we relegate our right to an eye for an eye. Instead we trust God’s justice. And it hurts. It costs us.
However, it doesn’t mean we don’t get to safety. We do. It doesn’t mean we stay in an abusive relationship. We don’t. It doesn’t mean we don’t tell or call the police. We do. It doesn’t mean we forget the wrong done to us. We don’t. And we learn to lean on Jesus and safe others to process the pain.
Instead of forgiveness being a burden of the already oppressed, it is an empowering action that frees us from the bondage to one or people who hurt us. It is an active role in advancing God’s kingdom. It is a job that God sees us fit for and empowers us to do. We free ourselves from bondage, victimhood, and release the other to God’s perfect judgement.
Thank you for allowing me to lead you through this Scriptural journey and trusting me for a few minutes. I am sure there are deep wounds you carry because of the sin of someone else or others. I am also sure, that like me, you have been on the side of needing forgiveness. As you walk with Jesus, will you ask him to show you how to forgive? You can take all those people that you handed into Jesus’ keeping in the beginning of this article back OR you could leave them there with him.
Practice: Instead you could pray this prayer with me,
For help in forgiving:
“Lord, I don’t really want to forgive _______________, but I want to want to. I understand what a precious and powerful gift forgiveness is to me and to those who have hurt me. I still feel the pain from the sin done against me. I thought holding on would help me heal but I see it hasn’t. I accept your invitation to join you in the work of advancing your kingdom. Even though it hurts, will you help me to forgive ______________?
I choose to forgive. I release ____________ to you. I no longer want to hold on. Now will you bring me life and health? Replace the pain with peace and joy. Amen.”
For help in being forgiven:
Dear Lord, I don’t even want to face into the pain that I have caused. Yet I know I am being eaten up with guilt. Will you help me to see where I need to be forgiven? Lord, I surrender to you today and ask for you to “search me and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Please forgive me for all that I have done and all that I have left undone. Will you help me have the courage to ask for forgiveness of ____________? Help me to feel your love as I seek forgiveness. Thank you for loving me and making a way for me to live with you and in you. Amen.”
“O Lord, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” Psalm 141:1-2