FORGIVE - before they admit they are wrong
FORGIVE - before they say they are sorry

I thought that I was supposed to forgive AFTER they say sorry. Didn't we learn it that way? "Jonny, say you're sorry for hitting your brother." "Sorry." "Timmy, say you forgive your brother." "I forgive you." Today I have learned that forgiveness starts with me. I don't have to be on hold, waiting for the thing to resolve itself. I can choose to begin forgiveness, just between me and Jesus.

I don't understand all this. A new concept. Much to think about. How many people or situations have I not forgiven simply because I am on hold, waiting. I think I am a person of justice so I naturally await the verdict. That can really scare me.

Today is a special day. A beginning.

Here is an interesting verse from Galatians 5:15. "But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!"

It is freeing to choose to forgive. It is also a huge responsibility. When Jesus forgives, he forgives completely. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." When I choose this process of forgiveness (yes, I see it as a process) then I cannot take back the offense and replay it. I must forget it.

Oh Lord, I cannot do this thing on my own. You know that. I know that. But I can, and do, decide to make this journey with You.