Wrestling with Forgiveness
I really struggle with forgiveness. For myself and others. I get one facet of forgiveness figured out and God gives me two more to work on, it seems. Today while stewing over my latest adventure in forgiveness, a very profound thought came to mind.
Bitterness comes when we believe ourselves incapable of the brutality we have endured.
So true. Bitterness is seductive, if for no other reason that while wrapped up in the rehashing of the horrors that have been inflicted upon us, we are able to dismiss the fact that we too have harmed others. We hate to dig to deep into the above statement. It levels the playing field. Too much for comfort.
I don’t have anything really pithy or poignant to add to this. Just want you to know if forgiveness is a struggle for you, I understand. Cheering you on toward the wide open spaces of forgiveness. Far from the jagged shores of bitterness. Keep wrestling.
amandasandersblog
Bitterness and anger are definitely part of my matched luggage set. I love this statement – and yes, there are times when I am sure I cannot endure. Thanks again for another great post.
Jen- the matched luggage comment is classic! Glad you could relate.
Yes,BUT, my sins are not nearly so glaring as the sin of the one who sinned against me…… isn’t that how it goes? Your comment about bitterness is so true! And the matched luggage of bitterness and anger – my I’m going to have to find occasion to use that soon. Great stuff! I’ve struggled with this too because I was the 9-10 yr. child being sinned against and I never committed the brutality that I have endured. Awesome work God has done in my life!
Just want you to know that I really enjoy your writing style. You’ve hit the nail on the head with this little piece. Relative to this topic, a friend of mine says that we know we have forgiven another person when we no longer want to see her/him punished for what he/she has done.