Broken Stone, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand (photo by Victor Guntin)
The Two-Way Power of Forgiveness
David Seamands, author of the counseling classic Healing for Damaged Emotions, once told my friend, pastor Jerry Kirk, that half the people in mental hospitals could leave if they learned to forgive themselves. “Yes,” Jerry replied, “and most of the rest could leave if they learned to forgive everyone else.”
That’s the two-way power of forgiveness.
Thank you for the reminder Mitch. I’ve learned the power of forgiveness through a very long, arduous journey of making amends for the harm I caused in my addiction. It’s freed me to be the man God’s making me today.
Yours is a powerful testimony, Gregory.
I learned as a child that when I held onto anger and did not forgive, I was hurting myself. It is that adage about drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. Others move on, sometimes not even aware of the harm they have caused. And, I have to take responsibility for the harm I have caused, often without knowing it. It is a two-way street.
As Madeline just noted, refusing to forgive is like eating rat poison and waiting for the rat to die (Anne Lamont). So apt. So hard. :).
Yep.
Powerful verse!
A third way is to remember and fully believe I’ve been forgiven by God.
Exactly, David. “Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matt. 10:8)
This is a recurring theme, much needed and that can never be outgrown.
Very true, Iba.
Unforgiveness will poison ALL other relationships, including our relationship with God.
Sad but true. (May I ask your name, btw?)
Barb Hegreberg
Lovely to meet you, Barb.
The root of forgiveness codifies or signifies — “to give completely,” or to give up the power to punish or hurt” each other or one another. It is to give completely, share each other’s life or one another wholly or completely”.
The blade that severed the tether also healed the hand that swung it, leaving both the captive and the captor haunted by the same sudden, terrifying freedom.
Humanities—one and all—have killed many a soul without even actually holding a club, kinife or gun.
And you dare in the same breath or vein claim to love the sovereign unknown and invisible God barring your own known and visible fellow kind and kindly.
We had better be CLEANLY mindful or heedful and humane…
Oh, yes, interesting post. God bless you 🎁♥️🤍🌈🌟
You too, Norma.
Yes, forgiving both ways is so very freeing.
It is indeed.
I like that
I’m impressed by the power exuded in the verse, your comments, and then the replies of readers. Clearly, forgiveness is important, crucial, and vital. Urgent, maybe. Wasn’t Jubilee all about forgiveness? It is the potent alternative to scorn and regret. Hmm, forgiveness of others, self, and in hope of restoration to God. I wonder if forgiveness then becomes a matter of love, finally the love of God. You’ve touched on something evidently so necessary. Thanks, Mitch!
My privilege, Christopher, and right you are❣
Most things could be resolved with forgiveness. Thank you for sharing.
My privilege, Chanél.
There’s something to be said about the consistent seeking of God’s help through prayer for the ability to forgive.
I had a horrible wrong committed against me by someone I thought to be a close friend and held on to the resentment for many years. Then one day I read somewhere to pray for that person each day for three weeks.
So I begrudgingly set aside a couple minutes each day to pray for him. Then at some point in the second week, the Spirit moved me to also include prayer for the man’s family. And then at another point during the third week, I walked past the card aisle in the supermarket and thought, “A card might work as well as the prayer.”
God seems to appreciate willingness.
Great point, Scott. When we pray for people it humanizes them. God doesn’t ask us to like or condone the wrongs they may have done, but to forgive them anyway.
colossians 3:11 says hide the word o was that from philippians you always get me to say psalm 103 when it comes to hiding the word & not sin against thee a verse i learned from the star family singers
Thanks for sharing a truth.
I hope I am not in a mental institution for telling my truths. Forgive…that I have done.
Have a great week ahead!
Yes, I needed to hear this today. Thank you, Mitch.
My privilege, Iman.
Forgiveness is a powerful force, for sure.
Powerful piece! 👏
Thank you for sharing Mitch; I had to look it up and check a few things. My online Bible says this:
This needs to be tempered by what Paul has said in Colossians 2. The false teaching should not be patiently endured. Yet if the leaders of the faction turn away from their teaching in accordance with Paul’s instructions, the Colossians should be quick to forgive and embrace them in love.
I think that only adds to what you’re saying.
Deep bows and blessings.
Take care, Julian
Likewise, my friend.
I find myself counting all the people I know (with a look in the mirror) who will not let things go.
🧡
Truth and wisdom!
Exactly. There is power, spiritual power when we forgive ourselves and everyone else including those who may seem hardest or undeserving of forgiveness.