As believers, we are called to forgive as we’ve already been forgiven. To forgive means to let go, set free, release. When we forgive, oddly enough, it is our own selves whom are most set free.
We can set limits on behaviors we tolerate. We cannot limit forgiveness. Forgiveness does not mean reunion or reconciliation. Forgiveness only requires one heart – my own. Reconciliation requires both parties. You, friend, can control your heart. Is there someone whom you hold in contempt, disgust, and in the clenches of your mind?
Forgive. Let go. Set free. Release.
“To excuse what can really produce good excuses is not Christian character; it is only fairness. To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. This is hard. It is perhaps not so hard to forgive a single great injury. But to forgive the incessant provocations of daily life – to keep on forgiving the bossy mother in law, the bullying husband, the nagging wife, the selfish daughter, the deceitful son – how can we do it? Only, I think, by remembering where we stand, by meaning our words when we say in our prayers each night ‘forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us.’ We are offered forgiveness on no other terms. To refuse it is to refuse God’s mercy for ourselves. There is no hint of exceptions and God means what he says.” C.S. Lewis
Forgiveness is a process. Today, I peeled away the first layer of pain, let it go, released it. I’m not done, simply starting the process of forgiving. What stuff you holding on to, friend. My two cents – hold onto the good, release the hurt, anger, and disgust. Simple, not easy. God, help me forgive, let go, set free, and release. God, help me make 2023 a year of forgiveness for me.
Live hard. Love ❤️ harder. Forgive…
BUILT TO LEAD 
Forgive, Forgiving, Forgiven is a process, enabled by God’s grace in our heart and soul. My sincere thanks to Chip Ingram for this spiritual learning.
For me, forgiveness has been the pathway to freedom and discovery of my purpose, this side of heaven. Daily forgiveness for the minor irritations, keeping current accounts is a good practice. Whole-hearted humility to forgive great offenses, for the grievances that cause personal harm, this takes God’s grace and His love poured out in our lives.
Isaiah 6 and Revelation 5 are my reference points from God’s word for forgiveness (which is my Compass and Map). These passages bring me back to my proper stance before my beloved, Almighty God. I am so grateful for His forgiveness for my sins. And I am eager to extend grace and forgiveness whenever needed. Dear God, please help me to do so. Thank you, Chet, for this important message as we close out 2022 and head into 2023.
Thank you, sister Kitty, for your beautiful words. Thankful for you being with this band. Amen…
Sending you much love and blessings, my brother Chet!
For those wondering, forgiveness is both a worldview and a principle