Happy Tuesday Saints.
Yesterday we started looking at what forgiveness is NOT.
We saw that forgiveness is NOT about removing the consequences of sin. There may be some permanent changes as a result of the sins that were committed but forgiveness frees you to move forward with the rest of your life.
The next thing that we all need to understand is; forgiveness is NOT about trusting those who’ve wronged you.
If a mechanic steals parts out of your car to fix his own, you can forgive him straight away, and if you’re wise, you won’t let him service your car ever again.
Although we must forgive everyone, we don’t have to trust everyone.
Sometimes, Christians confuse their mistrust of people who’ve hurt them with unforgiveness. You can absolutely forgive someone without trusting them straight away because trust has to be earned. And it takes time and consistency to earn trust.
Your forgiveness won’t necessarily change other people’s behaviour. In fact, they may never change at all. There’s nothing wrong with giving those who have mistreated you, some time to regain your trust.
Don’t repay evil for evil. Be forgiving and walk in love. Don’t trust everyone but be kind to all.
God bless and lots’a love,
Warren
