Forgiveness…

September 25, 2013

Every relationship has some level of disappointment, hurt and unmet expectations. No relationship will survive without forgiveness. I can attest to this personally. I had a really poor relationship with my father, who was an alcoholic. When he drank he became either a “sad drunk” or a “mad drunk”. My mother ended up in the hospital because of the violence in our home.

Our relationship got worse each day until someone, whom I had wronged significantly, forgave me. Not only did they forgive me, but they started treating me like a family member. All of a sudden I began to understand forgiveness and love. If someone could treat me like that, how could I not do the same with my Dad? That example of forgiveness and love transformed my relationship with my father and has shaped all my relationships since. While all of the memories remained, the pain began to fade.

That someone was God. It was such a relief to experience God’s love and forgiveness! Because He changed my life so drastically, I want to be like Him. As a result, I have come to see God’s forgiveness of me as an example of the way I want to relate to others.

Consider: Do you find it hard to forgive others?

Reflect: Have you ever experienced forgiveness? What was it like?

Promise: God provides the ultimate love and forgiveness. Experiencing God’s love and forgiveness will drastically change your life and relationships.