The "F" Bomb

Forgiveness. While this act is perhaps the most prominent and powerful in the Bible, I would argue it is one of the hardest demands of the faith. When we really think about it, many of the other expectations come (hopefully) naturally to us as humans; do not hold anything or anyone above God, don’t murder, lie, cheat, steal, love thy neighbor, and the list goes on. We are all born and raised with a natural moral compass, that we are expected to do our absolute best to maintain.

All of these natural instincts, however, are challenged to their very core when faced with a situation that demands forgiveness. In these instances, someone or something has “wronged” us. Be it with words, thoughts, actions, or lack of actions, we were hurt. We feel sad, angry, confused, and more often than not, bitter. Bitter about the situation, bitter toward the person, or bitter about the circumstances we were put in. I do not doubt that as anyone reads this, a list of times you have felt this distinct irritation are running through your head.

Now, take that sadness and frustration you have undoubtedly felt, and multiply it by HUMANITY. And THEN, not only accept that these things were done, but now ACCEPT a brutal and torturous death so that all those who have done wrong can live a life full of happiness, trust, and love. Seems completely unrealistic and unreasonable, doesn’t it? THIS is what the Lord has done for each and every one of us. So that we may live the amazing and wonderful lives we live today, Jesus died. For you. And all your “future” sins. Before you were even a thought in your parents-parents-parents-etc-etc minds!

Jump back to the list you had in your head a few minutes ago now. Doesn’t seem so bad now, does it? Even if it does, forgiving that person shouldn’t feel like such a big task when we put it into perspective. It still isn’t an easy thing to do. Don’t get me wrong on that.

Ephesians 4:31-32 reads, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

This clearly doesn’t mean telling the person that what they did was okay, or acceptable. It doesn’t mean saying that everything is fine and you will just be able to move on and forget what happened. It doesn’t mean any of that.

Forgiveness DOES mean (as Eph. 4:31-32 clearly states) accepting that what happened, happened. It does mean that you won’t hold onto any bitterness or rage you may have pent up. And, it does mean moving on with caution. With or without that person or situation you found yourself in, you will move on with a thankful, reflective, and loving heart. This won’t be an overnight thing. But it most definitely should be something that we all demand of ourselves and strive to work toward when in an unfortunate situation that demands forgiveness as a next step!

Addi is my sister, my forever best friend, and my adventure buddy. She is going into her junior year of college at CU Boulder. She is studying aero space engineering with the goal of becoming an astronaut. Ya... She's pretty cool. Ever since my parents first introduced me to her she has been right by my side through the thick and the thin. Not once have I ever had to worry about her being there for me. Whether she is miles and miles away or right next to me having a "sleepover" in my room we always manage to laugh until we cry together and have some hype dance parties.

Prayer:

God I pray today that you would help each of us to forgive someone and mend relationships we didn't think were mendable. It is through you and only you that we can find peace in the pain and the willpower to forgive and accept the past for what it is. I thank you so so so much for giving me the best sister in the entire world. I thank you for all you have done and for everything you will do. You are a good good Father and we love you so much. Amen