Forgiveness & Second Chances
Forgiveness is not always easy to give.
There have been several incidents lately where individuals I love have been hurt by others. Some of the incidents have been small while others have been significant. As I watch those that I love be hurt, it is impossible to not have my own feelings regarding the actions which have taken place. Throughout my life I have often struggled with forgiving those who have hurt people I love. I refer to myself as a Lioness (I’m a Leo by birth), no one hurts those in my tribe without suffering the consequences of a swipe of my paw. There have been more than a few times where I have found myself wanting to shut others out due to their behavior towards my own. I will admit that sometimes I have acted badly. I’ve reacted to situations rather than responded. Attacked rather than retreated. People are human and thus, they make mistakes. Forgiveness does not come easy. Specifically, if there is no apology from the offender. Many times, the offender may feel no apology is necessary. Forgiveness often takes time to give. One does not easily heal from being wounded or seeing a loved one be wounded. The wounds must heal and the timeframe is different for everyone. Forgiveness does not always have to be spoken. There may be instances where it is not possible to share with the offended that they are forgiven. Nonetheless, express forgiveness to the universe. It’s important to let go of the hurt emotions. Forgiveness is necessary in life. If we did not allow the grace of forgiveness, we would be holding onto such negative emotions that we could not appreciate new experiences. Forgiveness takes time. I have not completed forgiven some of the individuals of their incidents over the past few weeks. Forgiveness is often a work in progress that does not come quickly. We must forgive ourselves as much as we must forgive others. It is often more difficult to forgive ourselves. It can be a struggle that hinders us. I’m grateful that forgiveness exists in this world. I’m thankful for those who have forgiven me of the instances when I was the offender and I’m thankful I have the ability to provide forgiveness to others.Today I encourage you to consider if there is forgiveness you need to provide to someone.
Joining Emily for Grateful Heart Monday
So much yes
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There is so much I want to say about this post and yet can’t seem to put the words together 😉 Forgiveness can so, so hard – and other times can be so easy & feel genuine and not forced. There are just some people that while I continue to work on forgiving, I can’t make my heart feel a way it does not feel. So hard! That’s when I pray about it more and ask God to help heal my heart so that I might begin to forgive. It’s definitely a process!
Emily, there are some acts and things that make forgiveness a long process. We can’t forgive until we are able to heal from the hurt and pain. Sadly, even though we may eventually forgive, there are times when the relationships can never go back to what they were. God will help you heal, just allow yourself time.
Thank you 🙂
I’m such a stubborn person, that I have a hard time actually forgiving people. I will drop an issue without getting to the root of why I’m upset with the person and hold it against them for waaaayyyy too long. It’s even worst with myself. Thanks for this, it’s a great reminder.
Wonderful post Sheryl. I have found that when I am able to forgive that a peace washes over me. That bitterness is gone even if the hurt sticks around. its definitely something that has to be practiced and embraced.
Very lovely. I’ve seen what can not forgiving someone can do to a relationship and its ugly. Thank you for sharing and by the way, I love your hair! It just so beautiful and thick!!! stopping by from #SITSBlogging