Forgiveness

I have become utterly convinced that Forgiveness and Reconciliation is something totally supernatural and divine.

Contrary to popular belief (even christian culture) true forgiveness can not be conjured up by mere human efforts. Our brokenness will not allow it and our brokenness will keep us locked up in the bonds of bitterness, malice, and revenge. If one expects that forgiveness is a one choice moment...your wrong. Forgiveness is a daily act in which we consciously choose to not keep record of any wrongs. Weird right? Seems impossible. Theres always that line that says forgive but dont forget...well in a sense have you forgiven? If you continue to let the need for revenge to influence how you live your life against what you were created for...you have not forgiven.

I have totally experienced that the ability to forgive comes from God alone and thus it is a divine process of God overcoming our brokenness within ourselves. Forgiveness by its very nature is NOT logical and not an act that comes out of human instinct.

Conclusion? Continual, daily submission to God and prayer is the only way to be empowered to forgive for it says only God has the power to forgive. Thus we must harness Christ authority and power in our lives and speak out against the wrongs in our lives by saying "I forgive _______. " Through the Holy Spirit's power within us, we are able to forgive COMPLETELY and live a life of freedom; free from bitterness and malice and we are now able to enjoy life that much more.

I learned this the hard way. If you think you can forgive soley on your own conscious effort... you are going to fail. BUt thank God we have a source of forgiveness and grace that is never ending and new every morning. That source was given to us through Jesus Christ and that source is alive within us only by the grace of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Forgive just like you were forgiven. Forgive with the authority in Jesus's name.