Have you really forgiven others?

Have you ever been harmed by someone and wanted revenge? Maybe that you wouldn't actually do something to get revenge, but that you just hoped that they would "get theirs."


Forgiveness is powerful; forgiveness is freeing. It doesn't come easy for us to forgive someone, it is challenging for most.


Something that is so hard to give away is valuable to us and to give it away is giving of ourselves. So maybe that is why it is so hard to give away, we are giving of ourselves and we are pretty much a selfish society. Give, but don't give until it hurts.


Recently I heard Rob Bell talk about this subject in a video "Called Luggage" which made be stop to think if I had actually forgiven those who have hurt me. As I watched this short video I realized I had given people "lip service;" but not actual forgiveness. I really thought I had forgiven them. But he said, "Until you can wish that person well, you haven't really forgiven them." It was shocking to me that I actually had to wish them well, wasn't saying I forgive you enough? This isn't fair, they harmed me! But those words have haunted me since hearing them. And I am now coming to the place that I can say "I wish you well." Talk about FREEDOM! Maybe we can even be friends again.


How did I get to this point and why was it so important to me to be able to say, "I wish you well?" Because I also realized that I haven't just been hurt, but I have hurt others too. We all do, intentionally or unintentionally.


There are lots of books on forgiveness and great quotes on forgiveness, but the one that Christians and I think even non-Christians recall is from Jesus as he hung on the cross asking our Father in heaven to "forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:24)Intentional at the time and unintentionally each time we sin, we put Jesus on the cross. And did Jesus say to us, "I wish you well?" He not only said, "I wish you well, but I will save you through my death." (Matt: 26: 28 ) He not only said, "I wish you well, but I will prepare a wonderful place for you in heaven." (John 14:2)


As I grow older, I realize how much I want to be more like Jesus. How much I really need to be more like Him. If He can do that for me, then I can wish those who have caused me pain to prosper and to be free of any guilt they may carry for what they have done to me. And that is real freedom for both of us.



Watch a preview of this video on YouTube at this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAnO7hu6RJc&feature=PlayList&p=83B58AFB2161B399&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=6


I recommend buying it! It's in various places on the web. Here is just one link to purchase it. http://www.thebiblesource.com/product.php?p=6534