PART 2, HELP FOR FORGIVENESS
Here are some truths that God has used to instruct and correct me as I struggled with forgiveness and with letting go of the pain of betrayal and rejection on several occasions. It’s been quite a journey!
Knowing that I am rarely as innocent as I think I am, and have probably contributed something to the conflict, helps me consider another’s perspective and softens the offense.
The awareness of how much God has forgiven me, and my continual need for His grace and forgiveness, humbles me and helps me forgive others.
Knowing that all conflict is the result of unfulfilled expectations, and that we rarely see the whole picture, can be helpful. (see www.john2031.com/the_is_series/tis4.html )
Knowing that God vindicates the just, empowers me to let go of offenses. I love Psalm 37:1-11, and beginning in 1980 have found inner release in knowing that if I walk well with Him, He will vindicate me in the measure that I deserve. See “Stayin’ on the High Road” at www.john2031.com/snippets_from_the_bible/staying_on_the_high_road.html It works!
I have found supernatural help in the principles of Romans 12:17-21. V19 says that either we, or God, can avenge the wrong done against us. If we do, He won’t – but if we don’t He will. I’ve seen people pay a horrendous price for their ungodly actions against me, when I released them to the Father and let vengeance up to Him. The last part of v19 has moved me to pray for His mercy upon some who “had it coming” from Him. I would rather have been me, than them, even though they chewed me up and spit me out. Let it go!
I’ve seen God do a supernatural, relationship-healing thing even if it didn’t right the wrong, when I was obedient to v20-21 and did an act of kindness toward the offender. Overcome evil with good – maybe even roasting a turkey for one who has done great harm against you.
More to come!
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, Ohio USA
Sept. 19, 2025
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See many encouraging articles at www.john2031.com/site_map_inspiration.html
Forgiveness – as a created being from our great Creator, this action isn’t natural. It is our natural instinct to hide when we sin against God. At least that is what I understand about sin. It’s not necessarily against another or how we might’ve been mistreated.
It’s our own deliberate stubborn bad choice that we make that shakes our fist at God and say, our choice, our way.
So to humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness is only possible from God instilling that in us.
As He called out to Adam & Eve,, where are you? Where are we? We’re lost until He finds us and we hear His voice.
Interestingly to me, I didn’t notice in His Word a specific mention of a verbal forgive me from Adam or Eve, but shame is obviously present & known.
Ken, your words are spot on, “Knowing that I am rarely as innocent as I think I am, and have probably contributed something to the conflict, helps me consider another’s perspective and softens the offense.”
Looking forward to part 3 of 3.
Thanks for yours Tim. I got sidetracked but hope to get to #3 on forgiveness before long!”God be with you! Ken