Three Things That Forgiveness Is Not, And One Thing That It Is
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Three Things That Forgiveness Is Not, And One Thing That It Is

Can we please get rid of the phrase "forgive and forget?"

48
Three Things That Forgiveness Is Not, And One Thing That It Is
Huffington Post

Forgiveness is not:

1. A feeling

Forgiving someone doesn't mean that you will love them when you do. It's not a rush of unconditional love that you feel for them because you say "I forgive you." God gave us emotions for a reason, and they tell us something that is happening inside of us and can be useful for helping us figure life out. Those feelings that you felt whenever "it" happened were there because you're human. Our bodies are programmed to feel and experience emotions. You may not even want to forgive them at all, but God has called us to extend grace the same way we receive it.

2. Denial

Forgiving someone does not mean that it never happened. I wish we could get rid of the phrase, "forgive and forget." Forgiving doesn't mean it didn't happen or that the pain will go away and you shouldn't forget about that. Things happen to us for a reason and if you forget about the trials you went through, then what shaped you? You can't live your life in denial that these things didn't happen. They happened. Acknowledge them and let them go. But don't forget.

3. Reconciliation

Just because you forgive someone doesn't mean you have to be best friends with them. It may be almost impossible to love or trust someone in the same way that you did, and that's okay. Things probably won't be the same way as they were before, and that's okay, too. But, if we forgive, it is a step in the right direction to Christ. Jesus forgave the people who murdered him, but that didn't mean he had to be best friends with Pontius Pilate.

Forgiveness is:

1. Faith

Your faith in God comes from forgiving others because He forgave you and continues to forgive you. Have faith in God that He will be glorified in your forgiveness.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

88634
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

56627
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments