Forgive

"Forgiveness is not about forgetting. It is about letting go of another person's throat.... Forgviness does not create a relationship. Unless people speak the truth about what they have done and change their mind or behavior, a relationship of trust is not possible. When you forgive someone you certainly release them from jugdement, but without true change, no real relationshp can be established.... Forgiveness in no way requires that you trust the one you forgive. But should they finally confess and repent, you will discover a miracle in your own heart that allows you to reach out and begin to build between you a bridge of reconciliation...Forgiveness does not excuseanything... You may have to declare your forgiveness a hundred times the first day and the second day, but the third day will be less and each day after, until one day you will realize that you have forgiven completely. And then one day you will pray for his wholeness." - William P. Young. (The Shack) Forgiving someone can be a task. Truly forgiving them takes alot of thinking and will power. Because forgiving someone you can't just half do - its an all or nothing sort of thing. You can't half forgive someone nor can they half forgive you. So you have to decide and follow through on your decision. If you are in no shape to forgive someone don't. Don't speak words that are untrue only to have to go back and say you didn't mean them. Decide to forgive someone and forgive - move forward from that day. Don't hold a gruge. Let it go. Be free and free that person who did wrong. But do this only when you are ready and can't fully commit to this, its an all or nothing sort of thing. "Sometimes honstly can be incredibly messy." Being honest, is well hard sometimes. Because often we are telling someone something they don't want to hear or have a hard time hearing. Many people take the offensive action. "I don't need to punish people for sin. Sin is its own punishment, devouring you from the inside. It's not my purpose to punish, it's my joy to cure." If you feel hurt and the need to punish think of the quote above.