Day 42: Ephesians 4: 32

Tonight I was caught off guard by how hurt I felt by the actions of a friend of mine. I realized that my friend had been dishonest with me, and in a sense had tried to manipulate my convictions by lying to me.

In the middle of our conversation, I grew silent. Knowing something was wrong, my friend asked if I was crying, and I couldn't lie.

The tears were already streaming down my face as I answered yes in a pained voice.

My friend apologized, and realized how greatly I was hurting.

The apology was sincere, and well meaning.

The apology came from a true child of God.

And, as I sat there, an overwhelming sense of peace came over me. God's forgiveness is an incredible feeling, and before the tears had dried, I had forgiven my friend.

And I'd do it again, in a heartbeat, because it's easy to forgive when you remember how you were forgiven.

And how I was forgiven, for my sin, my foolishness, my pride.

God is teaching me that forgiveness is not forgetting, and it's not merely accepting what has been done to us. True forgiveness is overcoming wrong with love, and that is what I managed to do tonight with God's help.

It's painful when people you care about do something to hurt you, but it's even more painful to hold on to that when it's not what we are called to as children of God.

We are called to love each other, because love covers a multitude of sins, and because God is love.

So, I leave this with you....

As much as it is possible, forgive others as Christ has forgiven you, and know that His goodness conquers all the wrongs you have suffered.

God is love. Praise Him for that.

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."  Ephesians 4: 32

In Christ,

Lilia