How to Forgive

Forgiveness, is a word that is ether loved or hated by people. Loved because those who have experienced it truly appreciate it and understand that forgiveness is not deserved all the time. Seriously, Have you ever done something to someone that you needed forgiveness for? And You feel awful and you literally can't apologize fast enough? Have you ever pleaded with someone to forgive you and just let the past go? I know I have been in all kind of scenarios and sometimes things are reconciled. Other times things get worse and things don't heal.

Sometimes holding a grudge is just easier for people. I've been there before. You tell yourself to ignore it all and eventually it will be a thing of the past. But what happens is the opposite. It causes a lot more issues when hurt and pain is suppressed. It causes pressure to avoid certain people and situations.

A common misconception in our culture is that not showing emotion equals emotional strength. This could not be further from the truth. Expressing emotion honestly actually requires more strength than avoiding an issue. And, it can also be deeply healing. - Kelly Hesseberger ND.

Forgiven people should be forgiving people.

Acknowledge the reality, your hurt! The truth is that someone hurt you whether realizing it or not and it doesn't feel nice. Do not suppress your feelings and allow them to build up so much anger inside of you. This can cause a lot of unhealthy things in current relationships and also turmoil inside your body.

Evaluate what hurt you. What bothered you? Identify it before you try to speak on it. Let things settle before you make any rash decisions and you jump to conclusions.

Try to communicate with that person. Sometimes there are people who want to run to apologize and other times its the opposite. Be the person that chooses to reconcile instead of ignore. Be the person who does their part and takes the first step to make things right again.

FORGIVE, against all odds.

Forgiveness is something wonderful. Think about all the times you have been forgiven and you did not deserve it. Think about the grace that was shown you at times when you failed a friend, a loved one or even a spouse. Find freedom in being forgiven and also forgiving those who hurt you.

In life we will always have pain and we cannot run from it. We can try our best and hide from it but the more you do the more you ruin into it. In a lot of ways it will make us who we are. It builds our character and it builds our maturity in relationships.

Jesus was faithful to forgive anyone who repents for their sins. He died for us to be forgiven and be made right with God. A forgiveness we could never earn! Because I am forgiven I choose to forgive! Read these scriptures below for reference.

Ephesians 4:31-32 – Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Romans 5:8 – But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Mark 11:25 – And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

Colossians 3:13 – Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

So Forgive people! Forgive! If you don't know Jesus please get to know Jesus as your personal savior. Loving God is the only way I have learned to forgive all of those who hurt me. It is possible to move on and live your life. Be FREE! Be LOVED and FORGIVE <3.

Love, Shanyse Nicole