Forgiveness

As the Christmas season approaches and families come together, I'm sure we all wonder how it will be this year. Sometimes families know each other so much or are so much alike that it makes it very easy for buttons to be pressed and underlying issues to surface. Every family has different dynamics and every family has there own little tiffs.

This month at church we are doing a series called 

"All I Want For Christmas..." 

Today we heard about "...for my family to get along..." 

I wanted to share the notes with you in preparation for the holidays. Whether it's with family members or friends, someone you haven't spoken to in years, a recent hurt or hurt that has built up over a long period of time - if it speaks to you like it spoke to me, may it help prepare your hearts and minds for what you may need to see or do. 

Forgiveness is:

 releasing those who have wronged you. 

Forgiveness is not:

approving or diminishing how we have been wronged.

Forgiveness is not:

enabling someone.

Forgiveness is not:

waiting for an apology.

Forgiveness is not:

ignoring the pain.

Forgiveness is not:

a one time event. 

Forgiveness is not:

reconciling. 

Forgiveness is not:

neglecting justice. 

Sometimes, forgiveness is accepting the apology that we will never get.

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you." 

Ephesians 4: 31-32