.:Forgiveness:.

Has someone ever hurt or disappointed you? Sometimes I think that holding a grudge against them would teach the greatest lesson. In all actuality, the only person who gets hurt when I hold a grudge is me!

I know that I have been hurt in heart by those whom I love dearly, but who have chosen to walk away from God's perfect plan for their life. I was reminded of something Beth Moore said in one of her Bibles studies.

"We don't want to forgive because it feels like we're condoning the sin. But forgiveness doesn't make the sin ok. Forgiveness makes you ok."

(paraphrase)

How true that is! I look at the sin and get angry. I intend to punish the person for their trespasses. But that's so wrong. I have to forgive. Not to condone their sin. That's not biblical. But I have to love the person, hate the sin, and forgive so that I can be ok in my relationship with God.

Are you nursing a grudge against someone? Do you feel the small (or large) pangs of near hatred for their deeds? Remember this, "forgiveness does not make the sin ok. Forgiveness makes you ok!"

God's Gal Sarah