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by Bob and Debby Gass
Forgiveness comes first, feelings afterward
November 10, 2024
‘Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm.’ Psalm 37:8 NKJV
Small offences can be forgiven easily. But when someone hurts us badly and seems to be getting away with it, forgiveness is a real challenge. Until you forgive the offence and let it go, you will constantly feel it weighing you down. One of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to forgiving is thinking that if your feelings don’t immediately change towards someone, you haven’t really forgiven them. No, forgiveness is a decision. It’s an act of your will. You may continue to struggle with feelings of hurt and resentment. That doesn’t invalidate your decision to forgive; it just means healing takes time. And your healing begins the moment you decide to forgive.
The Bible says, ‘Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you’ (Ephesians 4:31-32 NKJV). Once you have done your part, which is to forgive, trust God to do His part, which is to heal your emotions and restore your peace and joy. You have the power to make the decision to forgive, but only God has the power to change your feelings towards the person who hurt you.
So, trust God to change your heart. Eventually, your feelings will follow and line up with your decisions. In the meantime: ‘Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm.’ (Psalm 37:7-8 NKJV).
Soulfood: Job 1 Job 2:7-10 Job 40:1-5 Job 42:7-17
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright © 2024
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