From time to time, I like to focus on a specific virtue I hope to increase in my life, or, break a bad habit (and preferably replace it with a good one). A while back (on the yellow brick road –ha ha, just kidding) I determined ( i.e. The man I love and vowed to spend the rest of my life with brought to my attention) that I (perhaps) was not being forgiving enough.
More specifically, when an apology was offered to me, I didn’t always truly accept it. I mean, I said I did, but I didn’t live like I did. Know what I mean?
Anyway, as I reflected on this revelation during my prayer time one day, I began to consider the idea of forgiveness more deeply. I read various Bible passages pertaining to the topic and I meditated on God the Father in relation to what God the Son, Jesus has to say about Him with regard to forgiveness.
Then, it hit me.
No matter what I (we) do wrong in life (as in: sin) so long as we turn back to God with a contrite heart and ask His forgiveness, He gives it—right then and there, no questions asked. Moreover, He accepts our apology.
I concluded that the difference between myself and God (concerning forgiveness) is that He offers immediate forgiveness whereas I – well, not so much. I like to think I do, but deep deep deep deep down, I know I don’t. I tell myself things like if the person apologizing (for the same thing, for the hundredth time) were really sorry, he/she wouldn’t have done it (whatever “it” is at the time) again.
Thank God, God does not do this. I’d definitely be up a creek without a paddle.
I decided I was going to give my all to practicing “immediate” forgiveness. No matter what, no matter whom, no matter where/when/why or how, if an apology was offered to me (and even if one wasn’t) when someone had acted wrongfully toward me, I was going to be emulate God the Father and offer “immediate” forgiveness.
The funny thing about God is that when you ask Him to help you develop a certain virtue, He sends a million and one opportunities for you to put your money where your mouth is. I was tested, immediately! (No pun intended! LOL )
I must say, learning to let go of the icky stuff and accept someone’s apology no holds barred is a liberating experience that will change your life – I mean, really really really really change your life.
Trying to think of the perfect gift for the one you love?
Why not give “immediate forgiveness?”
You’ll be glad you did.
Writer Bio
Judy Dudich resides in the beautiful woods of Pennsylvania, where 24 acres of land and a home-office provide the perfect setting for her children’s home-education and her own homesteading and business ventures. Life is full of blessings (and challenges!) for Judy, as a wife, mother of 10 and Grammy to six. She is a published author, whose book, “I Surrender/A Study Guide for Women” continues to encourage and support others in Christian family lifestyles throughout the world. Judy has also previously worked in the online speaking circuit. Her passion for permaculture, re-purposing, foraging and organic gardening fills her days with learning and adventure that she loves to share
