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LOOKING IN THE MIRROR – HELP FOR THE HURTING
Stepping Stones Devotional
Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret.
2 Corinthians 7:10
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Forgiveness comes when a right attitude is present. Saying the words “I forgive you” may mean little. It all depends. Are they unfelt or heart-felt, meant to appease or meant as truth, false words or true words? Forgiveness has everything to do with the heart’s motivation, the mind’s attitude, and the soul’s condition.
It is terribly hard to let go. Unfair, unkind and unloving treatment is quite difficult to release, let alone, to forgive! Harbored bitterness and resentments form a catalyst. They create unhealthy bonds to the person or event, where one was wronged, resulting in an inability to live free.
What to do?
True forgiveness takes a willingness on our part to surrender the offense in combination with an act of God’s mercy. In addition, we must ask God to reveal the truth about our own-self, where we have unforgiveness, ungratefulness or bitterness in us. To be free, one must forgive the offender for their offense.
But one must also acknowledge their own offensive behaviors, those acts of unkindness and areas where they withhold acceptance, approval, or support. God uses his mirror to reflect his image and to reveal our acts of duplicity. When we experience sorrow for hurt that we have caused to another person, we take a step toward true healing.
I was in a world of pain after my marriage disintegrated. It was easy to cast blame, but I was blind to my own actions. God began to reveal my part through his mirror of truth. It was as if God was bringing to the forefront the ways I had, albeit unknowingly, caused pain to my ex-mate. This knowledge unleashed a deep sorrow within me.
I began to remember those times when I did not speak words of appreciation for gifts or deeds, thoughts which now caused my tears to flow in unstoppable streams. I knew I must speak words of apology and to seek his forgiveness. A rich cleansing took place as godly sorrow which leads to repentance purified my inner person. It changed me. An amazing peace entered.
I was free.
Dear Father God, you are so good to us. You redeem the past to set us free.
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QUESTION: When did forgiveness play a part in your spiritual path?
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