Many months ago, soon after my husband's passing, I was deeply wounded by a friend who totally knocked the wind from my sails. After a very brief e-mail exchange there has been no communication for 11 months. I have spent time in prayer, seeking the Lord, laying my pain at the foot of the cross, and choosing to forgive.
In forgiveness alone I found peace. Choosing to reconcile an unhealthy relationship seemed to me to be more than above and beyond. Yet as I read God's Perfect Word, these words convict my spirit.
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12~14
So today, after a couple of texts, there was a face to face moment, hugs, smiles, kind words and Great Peace. It's interesting though, no apologies were made, no I'm sorry said, yet God melted my heart to love again in the way only HE can do.
Question for the day:
Is there true forgiveness when there is not communication or attempt at reconciliation?
Considering Forgiveness A Must,
Cindy
Hi there, Sometimes true forgiveness can only come from His heart into ours. Sometimes, it is refusing to dwell on that hurt-the forgiveness will heal you quicker. With hugs & prayers for you.
ReplyDeleteNoreen
Great question! I will have to think about that! I'm so glad you and your friend have reconciled, and thanks for challenging us all on this important practice.
ReplyDeleteIn some situations God brings us to forgieness, then He shows us that forgiveness doesn't always mean relationship. He shows us that having that person back in our life would be very unhealthy!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that in your situation there was reconciliation. So glad that Gods Faithfulness and Wisdom always show us the right direction.
hi Cindy...
ReplyDeleteI think "time will tell"....I have found that if the hurt isn't talked about, it sits under the surface and affects the relationship.
And I agree with Karen^^that sometimes forgiveness doesn't mean relationship.
I am so happy for you that you have and your friend are beginning that friendship again. May you be honest and loving towards one another as you spend time together.
Kim :)
Noreen, I absolutely agree that true forgiveness can only come from the heart of God. We humans are not born with the ability to deeply forgive! Thanking God for Christ and His example!
ReplyDeleteFerree, Thank you for checking in on me and challenging me through your blog :)
Karren, I agree that sometime there cannot be reconciliation and I will explain that further in tonights post. Thank you for your comments.
Kim, Just like with Karren, I do agree that sometimes reconciliation is more harmful than good. But true forgiveness is a must and can only be obtained through Christ's work! Thank you for commenting:)
Thank you ladies! I Love Good Conversation!!!