A lot of people think that once they are forgiven by a person, that person doesn’t have the right to say “ouch!”

Many feel that forgiveness erases the effect of their offence and therefore the offended party should not have anything further to say about it.

That is insensitive and arrogant of the offending party and reveals their lack of remorse at having injured someone else!

Although the scriptures indicate that God forgives, it doesn’t say that it didn’t cost him severe grief and pain nor does it hush his cries of pain and anguish.

Consider this.

Although Jesus forgave the ones who tortured him and crucified him, it didn’t diminish his suffering or numb his pain.

Jesus was publicly scourged, or beaten, with a leather-thronged whip. Tiny pieces of iron and bone chips were tied to the ends of each leather thong-cutting deep into his flesh and causing deep, flesh-ripping painful cuts and bruising.

Yet, he forgave.

He was struck in the head with a staff and spit on. A crown of 2 to 6 inch sharp prickly thorns was placed on his head digging deep into his scalp, forehead and ears. He was stripped naked in public before his enemies, family and friends.

Yet, he forgave.

Before they nailed him to the cross, a mixture of vinegar, gall and myrrh was offered to him. This drink was said to alleviate some of the suffering, but Jesus refused to drink this numbing potion. Stake-like nails were driven through his wrists and ankles, fastening him to the cross where he was crucified between two convicted criminals.

Yet, he forgave.

Jesus hung on the cross in agony for about six hours while people passed by shouting insults and scoffing at him. He also cried out to his Father, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Yet, Jesus forgave.

And as darkness covered the land. Jesus gave up his spirit having shed his divine blood for our transgressions and iniquities-reconciling the world back to YHVH. 

Through cries of agony and unimaginable pain and feelings of abandonment by His FATHER, Christ prayed that His FATHER would forgive those who tortured him and crucified him.

FORGIVENESS SAYS “OUCH!”

FORGIVENESS CLARIFIED AND APPLIED

Forgiveness is not saying that things are okay now, and then going back into an abusive situation or relationship.  It is not letting someone off the hook by saying, “You didn’t do anything wrong.” Forgiveness is not denying that a hurtful situation exists and it isn’t denying the fact that you are injured and experienced pain, sufferings and loss because of the actions of another.  And forgiveness does not mean that you accept the offending party’s behavior.

Forgiveness is repetitive and requires a conscience effort to release the offending party from their moral indebtedness to you – setting them free from any obligation/punishment or consequence for their offence.  It is the waiving of your right to seek revenge or restitution for the hurt someone caused you; to reflect God‘s mercy for you in your forgiving mercy toward others.

Genuine forgiveness may not be painless or without cost. Those who truly forgive may at times cry out in pain and agony and pay with their very blood and wellbeing as did our Lord and savior. 

Forgiveness sometimes says “Ouch!”

Who do you need to forgive today?

I strongly urge you to begin the forgiveness process today through praying the following prayer.

Father God, I ask You to please forgive and help me to forgive ________________________________for whatever they may have said, done or conspired against me. Although their offence continues to cause me hurt, pain and grief, lay not this sin to their charge. Forgive them, for they know not what they’ve done. If Jesus could forgive when they were crucifying him, I know and believe that I can forgive anyone who has come against me. I forgive them in Jesus’ name. Amen

Copyright © Othealor W. Prince 2010
All Rights Reserved

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!