Forgiveness

This week, our GRACE group will be studying forgiveness, one of the hardest topics to address as an overcomer of sexual abuse. But forgiveness is actually commanded by God. The Bible says in Matthew 6:15, “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”  Jesus died on the cross to save you from your past, present, and future sins. If you are struggling in your pursuit of forgiveness, consider the degree to which the LORD has forgiven you. Once you grasp the weight of the debt the LORD has removed from you and have experienced the abounding love of the Father, then loving others through forgiveness becomes an act of faith! All the counseling in the world will not give you the ability to forgive a person who has hurt you so deeply; only the LORD can do that. Surrendering the offense to the LORD is certainly not easy. The violation may seem so severe that you may believe the abuser does not deserve forgiveness. However, you must surrender the experience to the LORD and trust that He will bring justice. Giving your anger to God is an expression of faith that He who is the righteous judge will avenge us. Luke 18:7-8 says, “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly.” Similarly, Romans 12:17-21 says, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the LORD. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Forgiveness is more than just a declaration to move on; it’s choosing to love your abuser and praying for the LORD to bless him/her. Step out in faith today and walk in the way of forgiveness!