When we are called to forgive...

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"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
~ Galatians 5:25
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Have you over noticed that when news that's shared without joy or peace is often considered bad news? 

​Someone recently asked me if it was possible for someone to forgive others with a bitter heart? It made me stop a moment and think.

I hate to admit it, but I have encountered more than one person who has done this. It's one thing to overlook a situation and to move forward. It's another to forgive someone, "tongue in cheek."

Christ came into the world to save the world. In that saving comes an important lesson. The lesson of love comes within some of his final words, "Father forgive them..."

That forgiveness came from the heart, even through his suffering.

We are called to witness, always with our lives and sometimes with our words, to the great things God has done for us. But this witness must come from a heart that is willing to give without getting anything in return.

The more we trust in God's unconditional love for us, the more able we will be to proclaim the love of Jesus without any inner or outer conditions.

Forgiveness must always be a "heart thing." If not, then we are not living truthfully to ourselves or others.

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

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Dear Lord, when my heart has been wounded, help me to allow Your grace to heal me.  Amen.

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