Forgiveness

One of the tell tale signs that I am very much human is the presence of flaws. I know right, how shocking! But yes, I confess, I am a flawed individual. I am not perfect and I never will be this side of the journey. There was a time when I would never admit that I was flawed and if one was identified, I hid it as best I could. My strategy was deny, deny, deny! It has been said that with age comes wisdom, and I would have to agree, not that I think I am old in any way. But I will admit that some changes have accompanied the arrival of my 4th decade on this earth.  Luckily for me, increased wisdom and awareness are a couple of them. So now I simply acknowledge my flaws, accepting them and embracing them. They are part of the toolbox that God has gifted me to become all that He has destined me to be. One of the flaws that I have finally come to terms with and decided it was time to reckon with is the struggle with granting forgiveness. I recently made the decision that I am no longer going to live my life in bondage to unforgiveness. I decided that I would let it go. In doing so, I learned that this is a process that sometimes requires me to choose to forgive more than once, sometimes, many times over. So, it comes as no surprise that here I am battling these same feelings of unforgiveness. I am trying desperately to let go of offenses, hurts, and bitterness. The past has taught me that this is not something that I will accomplish in my own strength. Forgiveness, at least for me requires the presence and act of supernatural assistance. It is times like this that I am grateful for the Lord's promises to not leave me, to strengthen me, to help me and to work in me and utilize His strength in my weaknesses. So today, I'm clinging to Jesus, and his promises to help me. He has been faithful and has led me to some resources which have been helpful. I am going to share some of the quotes and scriptures that are helping me through this in my daily "Thought for the Day" posts.  Perhaps if you are experiencing your own battle with forgiveness, maybe they will help you in some way too. Just know we will get through this and have the victory over unforgiveness through our faith in Jesus! Don't give up!