To walk as one

Easter

After an intense disagreement or argument, it can be very difficult to get back to normal, especially when ugly things were said, or nasty comments were made. Even when we know it was done out of anger or frustration, the hurt can linger and hold us back from reconciling.

Is it necessary to forgive and forget? Just how do you move on after being hurt? It is easy to forgive, but very difficult to forget. When we forgive someone, we are looking beyond the offense to acknowledge the value and worth of the offender. Jesus did the same for us. While we yet sinners, He died for us. He saw and knew our worth in the sight of God. He did not forget our sin. He knew it well. Forgetting is not a component of forgiving.

Sometimes we just move on. We focus on the positive things in our relationship, in our family and in our lives. We do not dwell on the past, but rather move forward by loving others as we should. Grace and virtue, particularly faith, hope and love, have a healing power that makes us whole. We feel not only the destructive power of sin in our life, but also the restorative power of grace.

So, forgive others as God forgives you and then move on and let grace do the rest.

James Gaffney,
Karides Lic. to Saint George Publishing
jim@pilotbulletinbuilder.net