Yesterday I talked about what forgiveness is not. Here are some thoughts on what forgiveness really is...
Forgiveness is giving up the right to hurt back. If you have truly forgiven, then you won't hurt the other person. You give up your right to get complete justice in the face of injustice. And let's face it, some offenses are so grievous that there is no way that you can get justice. Revenge won't bring back a loved one killed by a drunk driver. Revenge won't recreate a reputation tarnished by slander. Revenge won't make things right...it will just temporarily make you feel better. Forgiveness, however, will release you from all the negative emotions surrounding the offense.
Forgiveness is letting God be God. Vengeance is His and His alone. He is the only right and true judge. When we chose not to forgive we take God's place.
Forgiveness is blessing the offender. Probably the biggest indicator of whether you have forgiven someone is if you can bless them in some way, shape, or form. Can you pray for them? Can you give them a gift? Can you speak a kind word about or to them?
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