“Forgiveness means to give up our resentment for the omission or commission of something that hurts us. Forgiveness grants relief to the person who “owes” us for what they have done to us or allowed to happen to us. In its most complete form, true forgiveness means we cease to feel resentment against the person who inflected the pain.”

– Carol Kent, A New Kind Od Normal (2007)

Forgiveness is a hard hurdle to overcome. Often one can forgive, but, still keeps rehashing the transgressions. That’s me.

Holding onto bitterness or displeasure against another is not good for the soul or for one’s health. High blood pressure, anxiety, headaches, this is just a sampling of how un-forgiveness attacks us. I become anxious with a tightness in my chest. I don’t like that feeling.

Even though other parts of life run smoothly, we somehow allow unpleasant remembrances to overcome us. (I suppose…that means…I haven’t truly forgiven a person or persons if I allow this to happen?)

But not Jesus.

Jesus, after getting punched, whipped, spit upon, stripped bare, humiliated, after being nailed to the cross for death by cruxifixction, Jesus, in His love, chose to forgive others.

Jesus asked His Father God to forgive those committing this heinous act against Him.

Luke 23:33-34 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Perhaps I wrote this post for me?

I don’t know your circumstance, but I do know mine.

I have no comparison to Jesus. My LORD suffered greatly. Guiltless himself, yet for my sin He hung on the cross. Jesus, in His love, asked the Father for His offenders to be forgiven.

I forgive, but continue to mentally rehash the situation. With this repetitive cycle I do not live as Jesus.

If you are like me, pray this short prayer over yourself. Claim it! I did. Then allow Jesus to fill your heart.

Lord, please fill me with the heart of Jesus. Please forgive me for continuing to rehash transgressions. May I have peace over past situations. Amen.

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ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OF JESUS?

Have you invited Jesus into your heart? Now is the perfect time. Pray this sinner’s prayer found at Gotquestions.com. 

“God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen.”

Blessings to you as you receive redemption through Jesus.

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Learn and share the importance of keeping God’s name holy. Order copies of my book, LIFT HIM UP DON’T PULL HIM DOWN, @LULU.COM or AMAZON.COM for your next Bible study.