We've all heard the saying, "You have to forgive, but you don't have to forget." I won't refute that, but you have to agree that a lot of people use that excuse to never 'really' forgive at all. Are you one of those people?
Let's rephrase it a little. "You have to forgive?and you have to forget the anger, the pain, the anxiety, and everything else that comes with someone sinning against you. But you don't have to make yourself a target (even though Jesus did)." Sound a little more difficult? This is really the Christian way of life, and it's going to be difficult. No one promised you would enjoy it.
So we'll start with the forgiveness. This is where you have the most control, because it's an act of will. You have to decide to forgive, and then do it. Here's a short list of what this involves:
?No more daydreaming about your perpetrator's pain and suffering.
?Stop thinking about the 'what if' outcomes, and accept what happened.
?Start praying for the person. Not for their punishment, not for them to see the light?pray for their good and their soul. Say a simple Hail Mary, without meditating on the one you're praying for. Meditate on the words, and dedicate it to your perpetrator. Let God decide how to reward or punish them.
?If you can do something nice for the person, do it without grumbling and without reminding them of what they did wrong.
?Stop gossiping about them.
?Every time you find yourself thinking about it, change the subject. Think about the starving kids in China, your financial problems, Baby Jesus?anything.
Now that (believe it or not) is the easy part. Now it comes time to deal with the anger and pain. Sometimes it's easy. But in cases of serious violation, or when someone hurts a loved one, the very idea sounds idiotic. And no, you'll never completely let go, but you can completely try. And you can start by using some of the techniques listed above.
You'll probably have to take it further. You'll have to swallow those emotions. Bury them deep. Yes, I'm going against what every therapist out there is preaching, but talking and sulking is no way to get over anything. You've had your period of pity; it's time to move on. When you feel the flame of anger building inside you, force it to the back of your mind, and let it die. Don't waste another second of your life stewing. It'll take practice, but every day is another chance.
Finally, there's that last part. This is where most of us have trouble. This is also where we have to weigh our duties, and choose what's most important. Here are a few questions to help you sort it out:
?Does it involve someone under your protection? I'm talking mainly to parents. Our children obviously come first, and we're never obligated to put them in danger.
?Does it involve a sexual violation? I don't have to go into this. If someone isn't treating your body like a Temple of Christ, then stay away from them.
?Does it involve injury? The big question here is 'How much'? A school boy shouldn't offer himself out to the wedgie bully, but a pop in the arm is usually more a matter of humiliation than personal injury. If your body is being harmed by someone, you have a right to stop them?but again, Christ didn't. Also, consider how likely the person is to harm you again. If it was a one-time event, you should let go. On a side note: Repeated domestic violence has several victims, especially children. And track records show that very few offenders 'only strike once.' If you're trying to figure out whether or not to leave such a situation, stoop thinking and get out.
?Does it involve personal property? Who's property? If you're raising a family, you can't risk everything and ignore their needs. But ask yourself if the amount stolen or damaged property is worth the hassle of never trusting someone again.
?Does it involve your good name? Hunker down and forget about it. The truth will set you free. Lies hurt the liar more than anyone else. If it's the truth, then just be more careful of what you say?but don't withhold something begrudgingly.
Written by the copywriters at http://copyforsale.com, where you can find free content for your Christian newsletters and websites.
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip .."Spirit is beyond the void of space. This realm, beyond... Read More
I have been thinking a lot about the spiritual growth... Read More
The myths of man have been with us throughout time.... Read More
"Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my... Read More
I have almost died twice in my life. The first... Read More
Our Creator is an infinitely loving and generous provider -... Read More
Are you facing some challenges in your life right now?... Read More
Green Principles: SoulBestABeing aware here now My path is progressive.... Read More
Every soul that is currently experiencing life on any level... Read More
An Introduction to MatthewSETTINGHave you ever been promised something wonderful,... Read More
Spiritual health is generally an overlooked aspect of healing. However,... Read More
As Christians, we know we need God in every aspect... Read More
Those of us, who are familiar with Apostle Paul's sermon... Read More
The chakras are different coloured energy centres that originate from... Read More
Are you looking for a way to improve your accuracy... Read More
THE KABBALAH OF PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION: TURNING DARKNESS INTO LIGHT"In the... Read More
It's an almost unbelievable thought, but could you be getting... Read More
The contrast between the two men could not have been... Read More
People have always sought the sacred. It is the Divine... Read More
Walls as a blockade seem to be an integral part... Read More
ADDICTION: - There are numerous obsessions and addictions which prevent... Read More
Does God care if I marry a gentile?Even as I... Read More
I always thought Ecclesiastes was like Proverbs. That's probably because... Read More
Maybe once in a lifetime, we find ourselves seeking spiritual... Read More
On one side there is a dark cloud. It is... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..I am often asked to explain what I mean by... Read More
'O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom... Read More
Obviously, if you really want to learn about the meanings... Read More
2 Corinthians 6:17-6:17For God so loved the world, that He... Read More
We'll begin with a question:What is a moral?I'd say it's... Read More
Charity isn't the easiest virtue to master. And with St.... Read More
There is an inherent generosity in the human spirit to... Read More
The Orisha are the Messengers of Oludumare, the God/dess of... Read More
David understood the aguish only those who have chosen to... Read More
Many may wonder what is God's will, or how do... Read More
Why Abandon Religion?It is so commonly believed today that religion... Read More
You may ask, "What are hot buttons anyway?"Hot buttons are... Read More
How do you feel when you see homeless people on... Read More
Sometimes showing up for life can seem like a major... Read More
"If you can't dance with the devil You will never... Read More
Who Are you?Have you ever asked yourself the question 'Who... Read More
"Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being,... Read More
I had visions of my daughter for about five years... Read More
Faith is the remarkable force that gives us the empowerment... Read More
"Let me tell you why you're here. You're here because... Read More
"You have not handed me over to the enemy but... Read More
It's strange how my life today looks wildly different from... Read More
Tarot card reading delves into an individual's psyche and thus... Read More
Who is God? This question would sound awkward to 80%... Read More
Life, no matter how we choose to look at it,... Read More
Spirituality |