Forgive and Forget

Have you ever been so hurt by someone that it was difficult to forgive the person? But, as an obedient child of God, you forgave because it is the loving way to behave. However, every once and again the memory of the offense surfaces causing you to emotionally deal with the pain all over again.

Some people are painfully dealing with offenses that have occurred days, months, years or even decades ago. Even though they have forgiven the offense, if that person offends them again, they can quickly recall all of the past offences, causing the pain of the most recent offense to be even more intense. It's as if they were keeping a tally of all the wrongs against them. They can recall the time, place and very specific details of exactly why the offense(s) caused them such pain. So, despite a sincere effort to forgive, they carry a horrible bondage deep within that continues to torment them. And sadly, while the offender can never take back what they have done; the person
offended is left to deal with the repercussions that hinder them
from completely moving on.

If this situation describes you, then there is something very important that you must do; forgive and forget. You may be thinking how can I possibly forget? With Jesus all things are possible! Therefore, a more important question is, have you ever asked the LORD to completely heal you from the pain? The LORD commands us not to keep record of offenses against us. However, the enemy will try to cause us to hold onto pains from our past which can keep one from obediently loving their offenders as they love themselves.

So, when negative memories attack your mind, seek the LORD with all that is within you to not only forgive the offender but to also protect you from your painful past. And when you seek the LORD with a faithful heart, your love towards the offender will truly magnify the love the LORD purposed in you.

Scriptures to meditate on:
Mark 12:30-31
I Corinthians 13:5
Philippians 4:13