08/10/2021
NECESSITY OF FORGIVENESS
Want to continue and deepen a meaningful, mutually satisfying relationship - of any kind? Forgiveness is then not an option. You need to receive forgiveness for stupid, hurtful things you do to the other, and you must offer freely from the heart forgiveness.
You say, "I can forgive; I just can't forget." True forgiveness does not require forgetting. You may always remember the hurtful things said or done to the day you die. The key is NOT that you erase them from your memory banks, it's that you choose to "remember them AGAINST the person NO LONGER." In light of that, forgiveness is not a one-and-done behavior; it is constant. Eventually, after a long time of choosing not to hold the offense against the offender any longer, you do tend to forget it. It is no longer front and center in your memory cortex!
What if they continue to hurt/offend you? How many times should you forgive?
Jesus says, "7 X 70!" That does not equal 490; it is perfectly or completely to the 10th degree!
Either forgive and release them from your bitterness, hostility, and demand for some sort of justice OR remain a slave to your hatred/indifference and say goodbye to your relationship!
One last thing, forgiveness does not demand a continuation of an ongoing relationship with the offender. Some toxic, painfilled, abusive, and/or unhealthy relationships need to end. Forgiveness allows you to move on and live free.
