Life Library
Forgiveness
Letting go without pretending it didn't happen.
5 reflections
Forgiveness · 35 sec read
Reflection
Letting go of resentment toward someone doesn't require restoring the relationship to what it was. You can forgive fully and still choose the role they get to play now.
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You can forgive someone fully and still choose what role they get to play in your life.
Matthew 18:21New Testament"Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother?... Seventy-seven times."
Forgiveness · 40 sec read
Reflection
Holding onto bitterness tends to weigh on the person carrying it far more than on the person it's aimed at.
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The grudge you're carrying is heavier on you than on anyone else.
Genesis 50:20Old Testament"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good."
Forgiveness · 45 sec read
Reflection
Self-forgiveness is often the hardest step of all, and just as necessary as forgiving anyone else.
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You're allowed to extend to yourself the same mercy you'd give someone else.
Ephesians 4:32New Testament"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other."
Forgiveness · 50 sec read
Reflection
Waiting to feel ready to forgive can mean waiting indefinitely. Often the feeling follows the decision, made on purpose, rather than the other way around.
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The feeling of forgiveness often follows the decision to forgive, not the other way around.
Colossians 3:13New Testament"Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Forgiveness · 55 sec read
Reflection
Everyone, eventually, needs to be forgiven for something. Remembering that tends to make it easier to extend the same patience to the people who've fallen short with you.
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Everyone eventually needs the patience they're being asked to give.
Luke 6:37New Testament"Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
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