Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.
This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)
Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!
Today's word: forgiveness
What does the word forgiveness mean to you?
Which is hardest for you? Accepting God's forgiveness, offering forgiveness to others, or giving forgiveness to yourself?
What is the cost of not allowing forgiveness to take place in your life?
Let me know what you think!!
"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)
BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
I think forgiveness is an issue that most Christians struggle with at least once in our walks. No matter how prideful we might be that we've "got" that one, something comes up that is hard for us to let go.
ReplyDeleteTo me, that's what forgiveness is; it's letting it go. When I finally got the concept that I am not just letting it go willy nilly to float in te cosmos, but letting it go from my own hand into the capable hand of God, forgiveness got much easier.
I praise God that it has gotten easier since forgiveness is a command. It comes with both a threat and a promise. IF we forgive others, God will forgive us and hear our prayers. If we refuse, well... there's the threat.
And so I pray it off to God, not only so God WILL FORGIVE me but because he already HAS even though I'm a perpetual offender.
the hardest was forgiving myself and in struggling with that....hard to fully accept God's forgiveness. Have a great weekend Sharon...you shine.
ReplyDeleteI find that it has really helped me to be involved in Bible studies about forgiveness, and understand the terrible cost of not forgiving. It is a matter of turning things over to God. Forgiveness is freeing and healing.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the cost of not forgiving is bitterness and anger which is so self defeating (at least for me). Like another commenting said, forgiveness is freeing. But then I am remembered with what Rick Warren said in A Purpose Driven Life about forgiveness, we are to forgive, but we necessarily don't have to trust in that person again without them earning back our trust. I'm glad God is forgiving, I wish I could be as forgiving. And it is interesting that I can forgive some so quickly and readily and others not at all. This is another good word to think about Sharon!
ReplyDelete(and LOL I had a senior moment about the "white" snakes, hubby reminded me they were actually called by the paper as "snow" snakes which is even better with the joke, but it made sense living in Montana that there could be "snow" snakes :)
betty
For me forgiveness means freedom to self.
ReplyDeleteI have struggled with forgiving with my mouth, but not with my heart...doesn't work well that way...
ReplyDeleteTrue forgiveness births unconditional love...only by the power of the Holy Spirit and strength from the Lord, can we allow our heavenly Father's example of forgiveness to manifest itself in our lives so we can do the same for others...
I have struggled in all three areas of forgiveness. I find that it is only by surrendering my thoughts and feelings to God that I am able to forgive. Not that I still don't struggle at times, but I think of Jesus words, "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15)
ReplyDeleteIt hurts sometimes to hear those words - we want forgiveness, but do not always easily give it.
Since you all gave such great insight into the word forgiveness, I'm going to summarize it all in a paragraph (using your wonderful comments). Okey dokey??
ReplyDeleteForgiveness is letting go - letting it go out of my hand into the capable hands of God. Forgiveness is a command and a promise. It is a gift already given by God. Learning to forgive ourselves opens the door to fully accepting God's forgiveness. There is a terrible cost for not forgiving - bitterness and anger. But true forgiveness is freeing and healing. God is our example to follow. Forgiveness is freedom from self. It has to come from our hearts, not just our mouths. True forgiveness births unconditional love. And it can only happen through the strength and power of the Holy Spirit. Because sometimes it is a struggle. However, it is only by surrendering my thoughts and feelings to God - completely - that I am able to accept His forgiveness, offer it to others, and give it to myself.
Now, THAT is a mouthful of flame fanning!!
Thanks for your wonderful input!
GOD BLESS!
Hi Sharon -
ReplyDeleteForgiveness is a mandate from our Lord. We don't give it - we don't get it...
Forgiveness also liberates us...
Sandra - I love it! A "short and sweet" response - succinct and well said! I like how you used the word mandate. That's a really apt word, and so very powerful. You're right - forgiveness isn't an option. But I think it's because the Lord knows what it cost to give it to us, and He knows what it costs when we refuse to give it to others.
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS!