white-board image from Kairos 11/11
Forgiveness is hard! It is hard to give. It is hard to receive. And, sometimes, it is even hard to talk about…it is ‘soul work’ on the deepest level. We have gone through the motions hundred times of apologizing to each other we have done – both intentionally and unintentionally. Bottom line…forgiving each other is hard!
We misunderstand forgiveness – we think it is something we give to other people – people who have wronged us and who may or not be sorry for what they did to us. And, yes, this is part of it…but, it is only a small part of this foundational principle.
Forgiveness is a gift. It is the gift given by Jesus when he gave his life for us. As he fulfilled his purpose…He cried out to His Father to forgive us. When we hold on to the past – we use up heart space intended for the love and joy given to us from our Heavenly Father. When we, selfishly, hold on to the unforgiving hurts, the resentments, and bitterness – our hearts become occupied with the junk and unavailable when the good stuff come along….
Can you travel this journey carrying the baggage of unforgiveness? Of course you can…but it will cost you. It will cost you heartspace. It will cost you energy and joy. It will cost you the freedom provided through your relationship with Jesus Christ…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17.
Do you need to talk to someone about the baggage you are carrying around? Are you ready to free up your heartspace? Email me, cpatterson@kairosnashville.com.
Cathy Patterson
Minister to Kairos