PAINTING BY JOAN BAKERThere is power in forgiveness. Sometimes we see amazing results when we forgive someone we have had problems with for years. We find inner peace and, often, improved physical health as well. As Dr. O. A. Battista says, "One of the most lasting pleasures you can experience is the feeling that comes over you when you genuinely forgive an enemy -- whether he knows it or not."
Forgiveness must be genuine. We can't just say we forgive, it must come from your heart. It may not always restore a broken relationship but it will set you free to move on. Forgiveness sets you free from bonds that hold you to your past. Let go of bitterness, let go of any preconceived slight or hurt. Reach out your hand to someone for forgiveness. If they take it, you have restored a friend or a family member. But even if they don't, your heart will feel peace.
19 comments:
Beautiful post. Your header is so peaceful.
Thanks, Jean, I like that picture a lot.
Beautiful, and I needed it.
Love, Debra
Dear Eve,
Thank you for stopping by my blog today!
Your place here is so serene! I love the green pastures. My eyes have lit up with excitement just looking around here. :)
I agree forgiveness is essential! It's when you know it's not mutual that the problems come in.
If only we'd learn to let things go no matter what the other person is feeling. That really is the goal! Great insight here. Glad I stopped by, and nice to meet you!
PS. I have 5 cats! They are outdoor cats, but they're sweet.
Sonya
Forgiveness heals.....
Eve thank you for visiting my new online journal. I agree with your comment about getting out.
So much has happened in my life that this is a time of healing and trying to be still. Also I may be at a different stage of life then you are. Later in the day I will be reading your entries.
Yes, there is no peace without forgiveness and I could not make it without my prayer time before my feet hit the floor in the morning.
Could not make it without my personal relationship in Jesus.
Have a good day and check in with me again.
Hi Eve! Thanks for visiting my blog. Your post today is so important. Lack of forgiveness often hurts the person not forgiving more than the other person!
Loved the beauty of your blog. I also enjoyed your "I appreciate it but" not participating in awards. I'll 2nd that! If only we didn't have to select 7 more people. LOL!
Hi
Thanks so much for dropping by my blog and the lovely comments. I only have one blog - the other one listed 'Testing Susan' was one I started when I was first blogging and was scared of messing up - so I practiced everything there.
I am going to book mark your blog and come back later and it simply exudes peace. Thank you.
Our heavenly Father forgives us without giving sin second notice. How difficult it is for us to do the same--yet, as you point out, how freeing it is!
Forgiving is very much an active, thoughtful process. But, once we have truly forgiven, we need to walk away from the moment, and leave any further work for our Father to do.
Thanks for your visit. I'm looking forward to visiting your garden blog, too!
Hi Eve
Your blog is very inspiring =)
Well Hello Alice! (since you said you fell down the rabbit hole on my blog) haha. Nice to meet you and thanks for visiting my blog.
Your post today was very inspiring. It something I learned a while ago----It didn't improve the relationship but it set me free.
Hello Eve,
Yes! Nice to meet you and thank you for your kind comments @ Women of the Word! Please jump right in study, Girl! I'll enjoy your fellowship and insight...
p.s.- Week IV deals with forgiveness!
Shalom Aleichem!
Your post speaks volumes of truth!
My pastor once said"To not forgive someone is like you drinking the poison while your waiting for the other person to die."
I can tell you,I've lifted a few glasses to my mouth in the past.
Thanks for dropping by,
Tammy
I want to welcome all those who are new to my blog. Thank you for stopping by. I loved all of your blogs.
Hello Eve, thanks for visiting my blog. You have a lovely green pasture to walk in on your blog - delightful.
And that is so true about forgiveness. When we choose to forgive, we will find peace with God and in our heart, no matter what the other person chooses to do.
Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Hi Eve,
True, oh how true. There is such a wonderful peace that comes AFTER true forgiveness is given.
Love & Prayers,
Ronda
Glad you came by my blog for a visit!
You are so right...forgiveness is so healing. Unforgiveness is so destructive. Problem is, we who choose to hold a grudge are the very ones who become torn down by that choice. The person we are not forgiving is never hurt near as much as we are. I have much experience in that area myself! I learned that lesson the hard way!
Beautiful blog you have!
Blessings,
Starr
That is some very good advice, Eve. I reached out to a family member to say I was sorry and to ask for forgiveness even when I thought she, too, owned me an apology. She would not even talk to me about it or give me a chance to apologize. It still made me feel good to know that I had reached out to her.
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