I’m having one of those days. I feel gray and gloomy. And I’m ready to cry at the drop of a pin. I’m sure a big part of it is from exhaustion. I’m not used to being away from home. And now, things have slowed down enough for me to process the events of the last week.
One thing that keeps running over and over through my head is the reaction of some of my friends when I had decided to attend my grandfather’s funeral. In the words of my uncle, “He may not have been the greatest father but he was my father and he will be missed.”
He was my grandfather. And my personal memories of him weren’t bad. I just hated the turmoil he caused those I love. And at times, yes I became angry with him, I even went so far as to experience raw hatred of him especially after the tragic death of my uncle. But he was my grandfather.
For if you forgive men when the sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14
My grandfather never personally sinned against me, if those he did sin against can forgive him, should I not also? Should I not support my family in their time of mourning? Should I not mourn a little myself? After all he was my grandfather.
Besides, God has forgiven me of my transgressions.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:37-38
Be careful in harboring unforgiveness or even a lack of understanding for those who do forgive, for you will be judged, condemned and forgiven by the same measure you use.
And know that I tell this, to any who may read this, in pure love, not condemnation.
2 responses to “Forgive, and You Will be Forgiven”
Thanks for writing about forgiveness. Such a necessary subject. I had to learn it the hard way, too. And even after seven years as a Christian and Bible college, it was still a foreign concept to me. But I’ve learned that forgiveness is a process. Especially involving those closest to us. You may forgive once and then the old anger rises up again. When I keep forgiving, keep letting the anger go, that’s when I find freedom. I love that concept of redemption so much, it’s what my young adult book is about! I’ll be praying for you and your family 🙂
Thank you, Barbara. Sometimes I forget that forgiveness is a process. Continued prayers are appreciated.