Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother when he sins against him. Jesus answered “not seven but seventy times seven.” Wow! I have found that it’s easier to forgive someone you’re not that invested in than someone you really love. Forgiveness. That word sometimes leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Come on, everyone say it, “forgiveness.” I almost need a glass of water to wash it down. I could tell someone, all day, to forgive their friend, but when it came to me having to take my own advice, it became a different story. Why does it feel like the people you care for the most, the ones you give to the most, the ones you call your friends are the FIRST people to walk away? As a female, I have to talk things out—and out and out. During my “discussions” with family and friends, I realized that some whom I had called friends were just acquaintances. Real friends stand the test of time. They love you the same in good and bad situations. Friends are people who can speak truth into your life, and vice-versa, without anyone getting offended.
Read Andrea’s Blog post from last week. Andrea’s Help: There Are Things Worth Fixin’
I was really hurt and angry when someone I thought was my friend walked out on me. I wanted to give them a piece of my mind. My dad used to tell me two things. The first was “honey, don’t give people a piece of your mind because it might be your last,” and the second was, “you don’t need to get even or pray the wrath of God on someone’s life. God will deal with them in a way that you can’t.” But there is still that one thing I can’t overlook. Forgiving them. Matthew 6:15 says, “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Unforgiveness can take root and leave you a bitter, resentful person. It poisons you and affects every relationship and every area of your life. I want God to hear my prayers (Psalms 66:18). Think about all the things you need God to help you with. Is holding a grudge worth the pain of God not hearing you? That should be a resounding NO! Is it easy? Another resounding NO! Is it worth it? YES! Choose to forgive, and then choose to let it go. You’ll be a better person for it.
Make sure to read her first blog post Andrea Helms Pens My Plans, His Steps, Her Blog
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Andrea’s Help: It’s Your Choice was originally published on elev8.com
