Do It For Him
It is not easy to forgive ourselves or others for wounds that are so deep within us.
We can sit in that dirt and muck, ensnared for years. That trap sure feels sealed shut.
We don't want to let ourselves or others off the hook. It just doesn't feel right.
So we sit, holding ourselves or others in this justified captivity of perpetual unforgiveness.
Even if we know it would be the best thing for us to forgive, we just won't budge.
We've heard it said that forgiving others isn't about the other person but about us. It frees us from suffering. We know that this unforgiveness is hurting us and keeping us stuck.
But that doesn't motivate us enough to forgive.
What if we look at this from a different viewpoint?
Think about how much God loves you. His love is pure, unconditional, and unending. Despite all we have done. He knows every dark crevice of our lives and still loves us. He forgives us repeatedly, and His grace and mercy are endless gifts He showers us with.
These truths will never stop blowing my mind. We are not worthy of all God bestows upon us, yet He never stops giving us unending love, grace, and mercy.
God has no problem with this forgiveness thing.
So what if we do it for HIM?
Think of God as an intermediary in the transaction.
I forgive myself because God loves me, and I want to honor and follow His way. If He forgives me, then I should, too. I forgive myself by looking at me through His eyes.
He forgives me and wipes my slate clean. I am pure as snow in His eyes.
So I forgive myself for HIM.
I forgive them because God loves me, and I want to honor and follow His way. He forgives them because His love is pure, unconditional, and unending. Despite all they have done. He knows every dark crevice of their lives and still loves them. He forgives them repeatedly, and His grace and mercy are endless gifts He showers upon them.
Just like He did for us, He forgives them and wipes their slate clean. They are pure as snow in His eyes. So we forgive them for HIM.
Don't let the "buts" sneak in at this point. "But I did this," or "But they did that."
God loves you. God forgives you. God loves them. God forgives them.
There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
Let's do this forgiveness thing for HIM. For all He's done for us, for how much He Loves us.
Maybe try yelling out, "FINE, I'M DOING THIS FOR YOU!"
Whatever it takes to be free from the shackles of unforgiveness.
God so desperately wants us to be free so we can move into everything He has planned for us as live in His light and love.
We can do this for Him.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
1 John 1:9
If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.