Faith Opens the Door to Forgiveness. September 29, 2024

Prophets and ancient writers called forgiveness a mark of the people of God. This week, Pastor Mia talks about what forgiveness is and isn't. Forgiveness is tricky and it's necessary.Forgiveness is an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger. Being outraged is okay. The way you handle your feelings is what matters. When you've been wronged, do you retaliate or move on?For abuse victims the idea of forgiveness can be a twisted, loaded concept. When they've been told, "If you were a good Christian, you would forgive," without any repentance, they are really being told to pretend the abuse didn't happen and even allow it to continue. That is not forgiveness. It's actually cooperation with evil. Forgiveness and reconciliation are two different things. Reconciliation happens when the wrongdoer takes responsibility and makes amends. Forgivess is foregoing retaliation while holding the wrongdoer accountable. Ulitmately, we forgive not because of the wrongdoer's action or inaction, but because Jesus has forgiven each of us.