FORGIVENESS --- BUT???




Oh, I can forgive, but I will need time,
To work all my pain and my feelings through.
Oh, I can forgive, but get out of my life,
You won't be restored; I've lost trust in you.

Oh, I can forgive, but first you must prove
Yourself to me in all that you do!
Oh, I can forgive, but I’ll always warn others
To be very cautious in dealing with you.

Oh, I can forgive; it just won't be the same as before!

What if God had said those words to me and to you?
Forgiveness in love God did not just say,
Forgiveness and grace He has shown me and you.


God gives us even much more than that,
He warmly welcomes, forgives, and restores!
Again and again He shows mercy to all
And He makes things better than ever before.


Forgiveness is something we must not just say,
Forgiving is something we're told we must DO!
To humble one's self is not death, but life!
Forgiveness shows others that Christ lives in you.


Let the Spirit of God soften your heart,
And risk loving again, set your heart free!
What Satan has severed can be made whole!
At the foot of the Cross is the Victory!

Karin Ristau

Comments

Betsy Banks Adams said…
Hi Karin, Forgiveness is one of the hardest things we humans can do. We think IF we forgive someone who has 'wronged' us, that we are saying what that did is okay. God wants us to forgive them ---more for us than for them. We forgive so that we can GO ON with our lives --and let God work on the other person!!!!

Hugs,
Betsy
January 24, 2010 at 9:55 AM
Bernie said…
When I was young I was stubborn and didn't want to forgive now I am older I pray that God's grace will always allow me to show my forgiveness.....:-) Hugs
January 24, 2010 at 3:47 PM
Ruth's Photo Blog said…
Thanks for this beautiful reminder that I need to forgive without stipulations.
Blessings,Ruth
January 24, 2010 at 7:22 PM
McMahon Manifesto said…
Thank you for the reminder. You are a blessing!
January 26, 2010 at 9:29 PM
Brenda Leyland @ Its A Beautiful Life said…
Oh, isn't it wonderful to think that He restores us after we've fallen short without thinking 'it just won't be the same as before', but rather it's just as if we'd never sinned.

When I remember what I've received, it's much easier to open my hands and release those that have hurt me.

It's never about saying 'oh it didn't matter', because walking amiss of the royal law of love always matters, but that's why Jesus came -- to right the wrong. But it comes through the gift of forgiveness, extending it IN SPITE what was done to us. Because we follow His example.

Wonderful, priceless thoughts, Karin!
January 29, 2010 at 9:39 PM
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