Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.
Recently, the Lord has placed forgiveness on my heart. I have always thought that saying the words “I forgive you” were/are easy and simple to do. I have learned over the past few months that I have the tendency to suppress my emotions, especially negative emotions. Why? I’m not sure, I am still trying to figure that out.
I have received feedback from others saying that they wanted to see a more vulnerable side of me. I don’t usually open up unless being asked intentional questions. I have always dodged people’s questions and I am usually pretty good at turning the tables to having others open up about themselves. I had no idea this was a way that I was shutting people out of my life. So to say- the Lord has laid forgiveness on my heart recently.
I am usually great at saying I forgive you blah blah but do I really mean it?
I have had to sit down and reflect with the Lord on how I have been hurt in the past and how much it has changed my life by holding onto these past hurts. I have realized that I use these hurts to protect myself (by not actually forgiving others) but in the end it’s not really protection but a way to control how my relationships go. I usually emotionally stiff arm people who try to get to close for the fear of rejection. Which in the end is doing more damage than protection.
Today as I sit in a coffee shop, I choose forgiveness. I want to authentically have amazing and real relationships with people. I want to intentionally pursue people and share love while bringing a sense of belonging to others (friends, family, and strangers).
Forgiveness gives us the key to freedom.
As always, I invite you to make my journey, your journey. Here are three simple ways:
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