Taking the Difficult Road

The need to extend forgiveness is such a huge burden being borne by many of the people I talk with. Very few "presenting problems" include "I need to forgive someone." But more times than not, it's not long into the conversation before it's fairly obvious to both counselor and counselee that there are some forgiveness issues that need to be dealt with that are causing grief, pain, anxiety, anger, fear, depression, and a whole host of obstacles to healthy, joy-filled living.

Anne Jackson talks about forgiveness and reconciliation in a recent post. Her musings are well worth reading, and I would encourage you to take the time to read through the dialogue that follows to get a feel for what people are struggling with. Chances are you won't have to read too far before you'll come across something that resonates deeply within your own life experience.

Bottom line?

Until I forgive, that person still wields some sort of power over me, calls the shots in my life, and nudges Jesus from His rightful place on the throne. He alone is the only One who has the right to powerfully impact the deepest part of who I am.

Reconciliation?

That's another story. That usually takes time. And that's ok. Jesus said that "by their fruits you'll recognize them" {Matthew 7:16}. Some people are not safe for us to be around - they cause us emotional, mental, spiritual, or physical damage because they, themselves are not healthy and whole.

For others, the journey to reconciliation might be 3 steps forward, 2 steps back. The most important thing is that we can stand before God, agreeing with the Apostle Paul when he wrote, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" {Romans 12:17}.

Isn't it time to allow the Holy Spirit to mend your hurting soul? To release the perpetrator who has brought you such great heartache - and still controls you in so many ways? To choose to take the difficult road toward forgiveness?

Just as Jesus did as He traversed that long, horrific path to Calvary.

Forgiveness? Reconciliation? It probably won't be easy. But it can be done. He showed us how to do it.

I know it's possible.

Been there, done that. More than once.

Linda