Difficult to forgive?
I need your help.
This weekend we're continuing in our teaching series, Did Jesus Really Mean That? Last weekend we wrestled with Jesus' statement, "If you marry a divorced person, then you are committing adultery." This weekend we'll talk about, "If you don't forgive others, then God won't forgive you."
So here's where I need your help . . .
What situation do you find yourself in (or could find yourself in) that you would find it difficult to forgive?
I've been giving this some thought and the most difficult situation for me would be if someone intentionally harmed one of my children.
How about you?
This weekend we're continuing in our teaching series, Did Jesus Really Mean That? Last weekend we wrestled with Jesus' statement, "If you marry a divorced person, then you are committing adultery." This weekend we'll talk about, "If you don't forgive others, then God won't forgive you."
So here's where I need your help . . .
What situation do you find yourself in (or could find yourself in) that you would find it difficult to forgive?
I've been giving this some thought and the most difficult situation for me would be if someone intentionally harmed one of my children.
How about you?
posted by Greg Nettle at 8:17 AM
18 Comments:
I agree, I would find it very difficult if someone harmed my wife and my kids. I also find it difficult to forgive people who do not ask for forgiveness. I have, but it is still hard to do.
Bake
Unfortunately, I have encountered a few difficult situations where I have been called to forgive those who didn't exactly deserve forgiveness. One, my grandfather who sexually abused me as a child...I am fine now thanks to counseling and God's healing grace. Second, my husband who had an affair and again, thanks to counseling and God's mercy we are still happily married and have a stronger relationship together, and with God, than ever. When you are smack dab in the midst of life's trials, it is VERY difficult to forgive. However, God is the Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace. He alone can give you the strength and love you need so you can forgive. Besides, the justice is up to Him...not us. At some point in life, He will use my experiences to help others. Until then, my lessons in forgivness have been huge and I am just continually trying to become more and more like Jesus.
Hey Lori,
Thanks so much for sharing with me. Those situations are nothing short of brutal. I really appreciate your example and willingness to be faithful through painful challenges.
g
For me it's also someone hurting my loved ones.
This also ties into his statement to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
I'm hearing a recent renewal of anger towards the suspected terrorists who have been held. I've found it disturbing how many people Christian or not who cry out that they should be waterboarded and they deserve whatever they get.
I have this fear of being imprisoned and wrongly accused. I would have a hard time forgiving whomever is responsible for miscarriage of justice. I would, but only on the grace of Jesus could I.
I have worked with a few individuals in prisons who dont belong there. I have spent hours with them and just could not see them doing what they did. Some have been released because of DNA and such, others await their turn.
You can read my situation in a a comment to another recent post. I won't repeat it again.
I'm not sure I have it in me to forgive.
For me, forgiving myself is a much harder, and longer journey, than forgiving others. I think it's a "can't see the forest for the trees" scenario.
When it comes to forgiving others, even if it takes effort, I can run through this exersize:
- Make up 3 or more reasons that are good and reasonable explanations for what happened. So, instead of blaming them, in my own mind, I am trying to see their side, for a change.
- Just pondering the possibilities, opens the door to forgiveness, instead of reinforcing the wall.
- Isn't this how we wish others would treat us when we make mistakes, when we stumble, when we are weak, when we are hurtful to others...to be given the benefit of the doubt?
(Depending on the degree of injustice, or perceived injustice, the exercise can increase in difficuly. It also depends on how close the person is to me. Family and friends are easier to forgive than strangers. We have less access to additional information, insights for strangers, so the exersize is easier, it is only limited by our imagination.)
My biggest fear is to be falsely accused also. It's a relief to know I am not alone in that.
I would love to know more about the results of your discussions on this topic.
Have you ever considered starting a forum?
Hey Kerri,
Thanks for your insights!
g
ummmmm.....well, how about if you are the child that grew up in a family of unbelievers....that has accepted Christ? Every family get together is not what you dreamed it would be...it's an argument about life everytime. This is wearing on my soul........
Lindy
Attended the service this afternoon-WOW, what a POWERFUL message, one that we all need! Thanks brother!
P.S.
I have attended the last 5-6 weeks,(after being away for about 2 years) and I sense a renewed commitment to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!What a blessing attending your church! I will continue visiting with you on Saturday, and attending my home church on Sunday.
Keep on keeping on for Jesus Christ Rivertree!
I find it so hard and still struggle with forgiving my ex-boyfriend for raping me. I just can't forgive him. I know that I am supposed to forgive, but I have it in my mind that If I forgive him then it is okay for what he did to me.
I did attend your church today. I hope and pray God will help me with forgiveness.
God,
Today I pray that you will help Lindy "hang in there." Please renew her strength.
g
Hey Rye,
I can't imagine the pain . . .
Your first step is simply to be honest with your prayers.
I'm going to pray for you as well.
Really appreciate your honesty.
g
Greg,
In my life, I have several things that were hard to forgive. First, I was raped, not once but several times. When I got married, then my husband found someone else to love more than me. Found out my husband had funneled my savings out of our account while finding love in other places. My "best" friends knew this was happening and never said a word. I have found since coming to Rivertree, I don't always feel comfortable in some of the messages, but I know that those are the messages I need to hear. So for me, believe it or not forgiving what I have just mentioned, came over time, however the forgetting is the hard part and being able to trust again has been the pther hard part for me.
I disagree. I think the hardest is forgiving yourself. I just cannot bring myself to forgive myself. I am reminded of my horrible mistakes daily. I think I should have known better. I have anger now and it comes out everyday. I realize it is myself that I am angry with. I know people believe I should be mad at the other party who did me wrong, but I have long past forgiven them.
I agree, today was one of the most powerful sermons that I have ever heard. It was difficult for myself to hear, for I have been struggling with forgiveness for 12 years now and I hope to soon find the strength within, along with help from the Lord, to find peace.
Thank you Greg for a wonderful message!
Greg,
Thank you so much for your prayers. I really do appreciate them. I really did enjoy service. You did say be honest with your prayers.
Thank you for reminding of the simple, yet powerful thing that I can do.
Hey Greg.......You and Jesus did some rescuing yesterday!!!! Jesus is my Savior, but my church rescues me every sunday.....now on to fight the battles this week....day-by-day....
Lindy
Post a Comment
<< Home