Scott Allen Forgiveness
I’m reposting a blog that I wrote a few years back. As we head into our final week of our “Blessed are the Peacemakers” series, I thought it appropriate to think through the idea of forgiveness. A few years ago, I took the Heartland Forgiveness Scale or the ‘HFS‘ and it was interesting to see my propensity for forgiveness. What I learned is how forgiveness is a Choice. It is not something that merely comes through time and distance. It is an active participation when you choose to forgive. Time and distance helps us to forget those lesser issues, but surely humans can hold grudges for quite some time. When we forgive, we release the burden from ourselves thereby releasing stress while creating peace. Of course, forgive and forget isn’t really in the bible, nor should we take offenses lightly. When we choose to forgive, we are really saying that we will not bring it up again in a way as to remind someone of their past transgressions. Sometimes it can be used as a weapon with dangerous consequences. Forgiveness does not mean that we forget. It also is a sort of mutual contract. When you ask forgriveness you are also asking to be held responsible for your actions. Ultimately we are asking to be held responsible for future instances of this action as well. Therefore, we do not forget necessarily. God can help us forget those difficult moments in our lives. But if they are repeat offenses we must realize that this may be a problem for the other and help them accordingly. The truth is, forgiveness is not simple and it isn’t easy. It is a choice and a strong one at that. we choose to absorb the pain and move the relationship along in hopes that growth has just occured and love has developed. After all, love is the goal is it not? To be like Jesus with the love he offers is our hope and we help each other realize that. Do not hold on to grudges.Choose the more difficult way…forgive and forgive gladly. To take the HFS for yourself click here.