"WHAT I HAVE FORGIVEN, IF I HAVE FORGIVEN ANYTHING, I DID IT FOR YOUR SAKES IN THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST."- 2 CORINTHIANS 2:10
I honestly believe this is going to be one of the toughest dares. But if there is to be any hope in your marriages or any relationships for that matter, its important you let go of your grudges or anger or hatred towards your spouse (or that person you struggle forgiving.) Counselors and ministers who deal with broken couples on a regular basis will tell you that this is the most complex problem of all. Its a rupture that is often last to be repaired. But I believe it needs to be the first. In order to move past any problem in marriage we need to fully let go of any baggage that is left blocking that path. In order for proper healing to occur all those wounds need nursing. Often times to move forward we need to wipe the slate clean and start over. Much like what Christ has done for you. When we ask Christ into our hearts, we are reborn. He wipes our past away not just by forgiving but by forgetting. The world will tell you to hold on to the hurt, betrayals and stupid mistakes. The world will say too never forget so you can put up your walls and never let your vulnerabilties show. The world will tell you this so you never get hurt again.
But, this is the opposite of what God wants. Holding onto grudges holds us hostage. But forgiveness gives us freedom! Trust me, I know this isn't easy. I have struggled with forgiveness of my spouse and forgiveness for the abandonment of my biological mother. I spent most of my marriage struggling with forgiveness and keep record of my husbands wrongs. But it eats at your insides. Holding onto grudges holds your spirit hostage. It keeps you in a prison feeling isolated, depressed and alone. It turns your soul ugly. If you aren't careful you will become desensitized to the beauty of life that God has to offer. You will miss out on the blessings God has for you.
Jesus says in Luke 6:37,"Do not judge, and you will not judge be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and it will be given to you..."
I know we as imperfect human beings are incapable of forgiving on our own. We need the Holy Spirit to live in us...."With Man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." (Mark 10:27)
I will tell you though, I know its possible. Not many of you know the extent of my husband and I's testimony and one day maybe I will share it at God's appointed time but we hurt each other deeply. Before my husband came to know God he was a different person. A lot of what happened in our past God has turned around for His glory. But it took me years to completely let go of the trauma and pain. It tortured my spirit and mind for years. It made me ugly and numb. And made me incapable of truly experiencing Gods Love. The day I chose to pray and ask God too take away the unforgiveness and pain is the day I came to know freedom. The burden was truly lifted and replaced with compassion. Instead of hating him I felt love for him. I saw my husband through Gods eyes. I saw his heart through Gods eyes. I realized he needed love just as much as I did. You never really know why people are the way they are. You don't know what makes them hurt. You don't know why sometimes they do things to hurt you. I'm sure its for a reason.
THE DARE: CHOOSE TODAY TOO LOOK AT YOUR SPOUSE (OR SOMEONE YOU STRUGGLE TO FORGIVE) THROUGH GODS EYES. TAKE IN ACCOUNT ANY LIFE TRAUMA THEY MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED. INSTEAD OF LOOKING AT THE SITUATION OR WAYS THEY HURT YOU, LOOK INSIDE THEIR HEART. ASK GOD TO HELP YOU FORGIVE AND FORGET. DON'T BE HELD HOSTAGE BY HURT. CHOOSE FREEDOM THROUGH FORGIVENESS. WIPE THE SLATE CLEAN AND BE RENEWED. START FRESH TODAY. LET THE LOVE OF CHRIST LIVE INSIDE YOU. I KNOW ITS POSSIBLE.
Praying for your hearts to be softened. Praying you will see those who hurt you through God eyes.remember God can not forive you if you do not forive others.
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