The forgiveness card

I was pondering forgiveness this morning, reading Neil’s entry for the day.  I was thinking about how when someone as hurt me, it feels like they hold some power over me.  It feels as if the only way to be free from that helplessness and pain would be for that person to stop doing whatever it is, acknowledge the pain and suffering they’ve caused, and apologize.

Part of the strategy of the enemy is to appeal to our sense of justice:  it’s only fair that the offender make things right!  And yet, here is the problem – my freedom is based on what someone else may or may not be willing to do. 

The balance of power shifts when I realize that I have the ability to play the forgiveness card.  Suddenly, it’s up to me as to whether or not I live in helplessness and pain.  When I choose to forgive, I’m released from it.

It’s an awesome reminder this morning that the way God relates to us is from a starting point of forgiveness; it’s who He is, and it’s what He is making us to be.  Thanks, Neil, for the reminders today.  I needed them.