A young woman confessed that although she knew she should forgive, that did not mean she was willing to forgive. My mind knows I should, but I don’t feel it in my heart. she said.
Even as she resisted forgiving, however, she often focused her thoughts on what the Bible said: [B]e kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Eph 4:32 RSV)
And so, after struggling over being willing to be willing, she finally asked God for help—particularly in her relationship with an alcoholic mother. After laying it before her Lord many, many times—love overruled anguish and forgiveness became genuine reality. She shared her victory with joy, quoting Jesus who said, And whenever you stand praying, forgive. If you have anything against any one. . . . (Mk. 11:25a)
The young woman knew she could not forgive on her own. Her human nature was like all human natures—and she desired to justify herself. But through God, she offered compassion and forgiveness—even in the face of mistreatment.
Originally published December 4, 1991.
Even as she resisted forgiving, however, she often focused her thoughts on what the Bible said: [B]e kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Eph 4:32 RSV)
And so, after struggling over being willing to be willing, she finally asked God for help—particularly in her relationship with an alcoholic mother. After laying it before her Lord many, many times—love overruled anguish and forgiveness became genuine reality. She shared her victory with joy, quoting Jesus who said, And whenever you stand praying, forgive. If you have anything against any one. . . . (Mk. 11:25a)
The young woman knew she could not forgive on her own. Her human nature was like all human natures—and she desired to justify herself. But through God, she offered compassion and forgiveness—even in the face of mistreatment.
Originally published December 4, 1991.
Picture: Hanging basket, Patty's garden, 2009. Photo by Solveig
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