Forgiveness is Required

I wanted to share what was discussed last night at a bible study headed by Mr. & Mrs. Lynch.  It was just what I needed.  We landed on one that was dear to my heart.

It's been a rough spring for me this year with me and my faith. I was done wrong by some people in the church.  I had a passion and calling for something but was it was quickly taken away from me for the wrong reasons.  Battling my feelings about how I was treated, I wanted to lash out in anger, but I felt the power of God to do something different with this situation, to not act how I would normally.  It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.  Keep my mouth shut when someone did me wrong.  So how come it is so hard to turn and present your other cheek when you were just slapped on the other one? Why is it so hard to say your actions/words don't bother me because I know what the Lord has in store for me is good? I waited and waited for things to get better. I expected an apology...which was completely wrong.  You cannot expect for that because it may never come. Realizing that it was ok if the apology never came was the hardest part for me and still is.  Forgiving the person that did you wrong is what we are asked to do. After all, didn't the Lord forgive us for our sins!?!  You will not find peace in yourself unless you forgive that person. DO NOT EXPECT FOR THEM TO APOLOGIZE! You need to do it for yourself and the Lord. Trust me, you will feel much better when do.

Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.