During my devotional time this week I came across this quote:
“There is such a big difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. It takes two to reconcile, so it is not always possible to be reconciled. But it only takes one to forgive.”
Phillip Graham Ryken
Such a powerful statement!
Have you ever been wronged and sought the apology? This is exactly what this quote is speaking towards.
Following well known passages in Matthew 5 – The Sermon on the Mount and The Beatitudes – and then The Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:14-15, esv
There are two action items here for us to note:
- Forgive others because God forgives us
- Do not hold unto unforgiveness because that leads to anger and bitterness.
Regardless of how we feel, many times people hurt us and move on.
Often, the ones who hurt us have let the situation go and may not even remember what happened.
Don’t allow the damage of betrayal to persist and penetrate your ability to love yourself, others, and God.
God’s love can free you from the pain of your past, even life’s deepest wounds.
Trust God. Seek Him. Be affirmed in Christ.
Affirmed in Christ 