A story on forgiveness

A few weeks ago, there was a story of immense tragedy that hit the story lines.  In Aurora Colorado, a gunman re-entered a movie theater during "Batman" and began to play out his well thought out plan to create chaos and end lives.

When the story first broke many emotions were  brought to the surface for many people.  Every conversation incorperated that story for a while.  The fear and horror set in to peoples hearts.  The anxiety was present in many that wanted to go and see the new film.  But then, time went on.

Isn't it amazing how time can harden our hearts to forget the raw emotions we felt, wether they be fear, sadness, anxiety, or even joy.  Life just seems to go on until a trigger word, story, or smell comes up to help us remember.

Well guess what?  I am that chick.  When I heard of the shootings in Colorado, my heart immediately went out the victims of Chardon, Colombine, and all of the other horrific tragedies throughout my generation that seemed to be almost forgotten.  I imagined the victims reliving every second of the day that their life changed forever.  Unfortunately, the longer it goes, the more unseen bitterness and anger can make their way into our hearts.  This invisible harvest grows in the inmost part of our heart choking out the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. (Gal 5:22-23)

Forgiving needs to be a choice.  Yes, with Christ, it's the only way to be able to truly do it, but it still is a choice to extend it, believe it, and to remind your brain that you've done it over and over again.

A dear friend wrote a devotion this week on forgiveness that brought those emotions back to the forefront.  It is a great read at pmcrawford.blogspot.com (click on GETTING THE WORD OUT).  Take the time to check it out, you will definitely be blessed.

In the Lords prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) we pray "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us".  Do you know what your praying people? You are telling God "please forgive me, BUT only forgive me as much as I forgive others".  That's some heavy stuff.  The choice to forgive is an ongoing process.  Just because you decide, does not mean that the memories or even opportunities to go back ever diminish.

Bottom line, by forgiving, things don't change, wounds still need to heal, life still seems to stop, and unfortunately, memories don't disappear. By choosing forgiveness over and over again, you open up room in your heart for fruit to grow.

 Below is an interview with Colorado shooting victim Pierce O'Farrill.  Though he experienced this personal hell, he is making a choice to forgive.  I pray that you are as blessed by his dependancy on God as I am.

http://www.christianstories.co/2012/07/colorado-shooting-victim-god-saved-me-i.html

Popular Posts