"Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34

Becky can’t sleep at night.  She keeps having nightmares about her mother, who abused her as a child.  Even though her mother has been dead for ten years, Becky still struggles to forgive. 

Why would God even ask Becky to forgive someone who caused her so much pain?

Giving forgiveness is difficult.  It involves letting go of the past and moving on.  It almost seems as if we are letting the other person “off the hook,” without any punishment or responsibility to make restitution.  Where is the sense in that?

It begins with realizing that God in His mercy forgave you. We are all sinners who have been forgiven by God.  Not just the sins you have committed, but every sin that you will ever commit has been bought and paid for with the blood of Jesus.  He forgave the sins of all mankind through His death on the cross.

Once you understand that you have been forgiven, you are released to unload the burden of pain in your past.   A clearer understanding of Christ’s gift of forgiveness will develop by forgiving those who have hurt you. 

Forgiving an abuser is the most difficult type of pain to forgive.  Unburden yourself.  Cling to Christ who is your strength.  Do not allow the sin of the abuser to continue abusing you!  Forgive, because God is there waiting to renew your strength and help you move on, refreshed and ready to celebrate your life in Him!

• Bible Readings for the Week Ahead:
• Monday: Matthew 6:14
• Tuesday: I Corinthians 13:4-7
• Wednesday: Ephesians 4:31-32
• Thursday: Galatians 6:1-2
• Friday: II Corinthians 2:5-8
• Saturday: Mark 11:24-26
• Sunday: Luke 17:2-4