Those who are truly secure and strong
forgive. Those who do not forgive are prisoners of themselves.
February’s
Awakening, Day 26
We pardon in the degree that we love.
—La Rochefoucauld
A person’s ability to forgive is in
proportion to the greatness of his soul.
—Author Unknown
To forgive is to set a prisoner free
and discover the prisoner was you.
—Author Unknown
Whoever
would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter
separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9 NIV
Then
Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother
or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you,
not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (Or seventy times seven) Matthew 18:21–22 NIV
Forgiveness
requires an understanding and compassionate heart, a merciful mind, agape love,
and a level of spiritual maturity. Doing what’s in the best interest of the
other is doing what’s in the best interest of self. Sometimes, forgiveness may
be extremely difficult and painful and take some time to manifest. But to not
forgive is certainly more damaging to self than it is to the offender. If the
offense is ever before you in your mind, then you are certainly the prisoner
who needs to be set free.
Not only are we commanded to simply
forgive, we are commanded to forgive and forgive and forgive—as many times as
the offense occurs. This doesn’t mean that we can’t initiate healthy boundaries
and institute beneficial reprimands, but the offense itself should never
control us—we must control the effect it has upon us. Forgiveness, tempered
with good judgment and wisdom, setting appropriate boundaries, instituting
appropriate reprimands as necessary, and freeing yourself from the bondage of
those offenses will go a long way in obtaining the elusive tranquility of a
peaceful and harmoniously balanced life. If we understand these basic
principles of forgiveness, we realize why God has set such an importance upon
it—it is for our own well-being and peace of mind.
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