Choosing Forgiveness

"Act your way into a new way of feeling."

I’ve heard my dad say that statement countless times. He’ll be the first to tell you that it’s not his original idea - Jesus introduced this truth a long time ago! Imagine the freedom we would find from bitterness and unforgivenss if we began practicing this concept in our relationships to those who have hurt us or refused to forgive us. Check out what Jesus says in Luke 6:27-36:

27“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.

32“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ’sinners’ love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ’sinners’ do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ’sinners’ lend to ’sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Want to know something? I’ve tried this tactic, and it actually works! I’ve also failed at this miserably. It’s not easy, nor is it a quick fix; it takes a lot of discipline and a surrender to the Holy Spirit’s power living through us moment by moment, day by day. My favorite part of this passage is verses 32-35 because Jesus takes the truth to the next level. He basically says, “Love that person, do good to them, bless them, and pray for them…but expect nothing in return!” True forgiveness God’s way means that we forgive and don’t expect them to forgive us. Difficult? I think so.

What are your thoughts?

-Leigh Anne