Our Savior kneels down and gazes upon the darkest acts of our lives.
But rather than recoil in horror, he reaches out in kindness and says,
“I can clean that if you want.”
And from the basin of his grace, he scoops a palm full
of mercy and washes our sin.
~ Max Lucado
We’ve spent the last three days reading stories of, for all intents and purposes, forgiving the unforgiveable.
I’m curious . . . how have these stories affected you? Were you touched? Shocked? Inspired? If faced with the same situation, could you forgive in the same way?
Today we’re going to address some hard stuff. I pray the things we’ll talk about today haven’t touched too many of your lives. But statistics show they have affected most of us in one way or another.
Pause for a moment and think of one thing that’s happened in your life, or the life of a loved one, that you could never forgive. Ever. Forgiving the act is absolutely out of the question in your mind.
And if you haven’t had to experience an unforgiveable act, I challenge you to think about and name one situation you would never be willing to forgive.
What would that be?
Addictions
Abuse
Adultery
Murder
Drunk driver
Rape
Are these crimes unforgiveable? In our human flesh, absolutely. Through Christ? No, nothing is impossible through Christ {Luke 1:37}.
How then, do we even begin to forgive these seemingly unforgiveable acts? My answer is simple—the same way we forgive smaller acts requiring forgiveness. As a start to forgiving, and ultimately healing process, here’s a quick recap of what we’ve covered so far:
- We’ve been commanded to forgive.
- Jesus died a horrific death so we could live forgiven.
- Forgiveness is an act of grace.
- Forgiveness comes from love.
- Forgiveness brings freedom.
- Forgiveness is a choice.
Does this make it easy? Or something that’ll happen over night? Absolutely not.
But I’m praying it gives a road map to understanding how and why. And that we let it soak deep into our hearts . . . that we soften our hearts to the process of forgiveness . . . that we let go of any bitterness and anger . . . that we make the choice to forgive and grab hold of the freedom it brings.
As you’re trying to process and understand how to forgive something seemingly unforgiveable, think of Brian Banks, the man who spent five years in jail, and another five labeled and living as a sex offender—all for a crime he was innocent of. He understands hanging onto unforgiveness will hurt no one but himself.
And Ronald Cotton, who spent more than ten years in prison for raping Jennifer Thompson—a crime he never committed. Yet he forgives.
And Rebecca Nicols, who as a young child faced terror and loss that would change her life forever. She understands her need to, “Love and forgive others as (she’s) been loved and forgiven by Jesus.”
So. Now it’s our turn. When faced with something seemingly unforgiveable, can we extend the same love, grace, and forgiveness as these examples? Examples nothing short of shining the very image of Jesus.
Over the next two days, I’ll share more insight on forgiving the unforgiveable. We’ll talk about forgiveness vs. condoning and enabling, and I’ll share an important lesson I learned the hard way!
####
Friends, I’d like to make it very clear, if you’re in any sort of on-going abusive situation, it’s imperative you protect yourselves right away. Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you allow abusive behavior to continue.
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{read 31 days of forgiveness from the beginning}
Traci,
Just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying your books and blog.I have never shared this with anyone.I for the last 25 years of my life I have had to deal with the exact same issue that you are getting thru at this moment.My heart went out to you.That said. I have also got thru it and give all the glory to GOD.Like you I also am not gonna say it has been an easy rd or a quick one. I carried that pain and unforgiveness for way to long,and the only one it hurt is me.SO forgiveness is def freeing.I think what your doing is so important in helping others that find themselves overwhelmed with grief in these hard times.thank you for putting yourself out there.
TerryLynn
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