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EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

I’ve been researching the topic of forgiveness lately, and I believe we all need to embrace it within the world we live.

I personally need to learn how to forgive and be forgiven better.

“Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful words in the human vocabulary. How much pain and unhappy consequences could be avoided if we all learned the meaning of this word.” — Billy Graham

“In Christ, forgiveness is a ‘release’ or a ‘dismissal’ of something. The forgiveness we have in Christ involves the release of sinners from God’s just penalty and the complete dismissal of all charges against us. In God’s beloved Son ‘we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins’ or ‘the forgiveness of our sins and the cancellation of sins’ penalty.’ God’s gracious forgiveness of our sin is to be the measure of our gracious forgiveness of others.” — GotQuestions.com

“When God forgives, there is an immediate and complete change in relationship. Instead of hostility, there is love and acceptance. Instead of enmity, there is friendship.” — Billy Graham

I ask of you today: Pause and think upon that hurt you are carrying this season of your life, allow these truths to soak in and then receive the balm of healing from the one and only who can truly heal: Christ.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32, NIV

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, (their reckless and willful sins), your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.” — Matthew 6:14

In Lysa Terkeurst’s book, “The Forgiveness Journal,” she shares these insights:

“There is nothing more powerful than a person living what God’s Word teaches. We can hurt without turning into a person who lives hurt. I want to live from a place of hope and see beautiful again.”

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13, NIV

This Thanksgiving season, I pray for the gift of grace, peace and forgiveness within your life.

Robin (Beckman) Gudal is intentional in life, a wife, momma, nana, friend and a flawed and imperfect follower of Jesus.