Finding Freedom Through Forgiveness

THIS MONTH'S THEME: FAITH & FREEDOM

I was having a conversation recently with my father over his bacon and waffles and my spinach omelet about an incident with my ex-husband early in our marriage that led to its eventual demise. The strange thing about this conversation is the original topic we were discussing was if I would ever marry again. I said yes. He was surprised. I was not. You see, I am BIG on protecting my vulnerability, and the incident in question opened up old wounds I spent years protecting before we even met. That is the reason transparency in ministry and life are so important to me. You want to know the environment in which you are operating. The great thing about this story is despite all the pain before and during my marital season, I can still say yes to marriage. At almost 55... with no current prospects... I can still say yes. Yes, because of forgiveness. Salvation saved my soul. Forgiveness saved my life. Unforgiveness is one of the greatest struggles we face as a Christian and yet, God is unrelenting on this issue. We must forgive.

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. ~Colossians 3:13, New International Version

It can, it does hurt to forgive and still we are compelled by our Christ to do so.

Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it. - Mark Twain

One of the things I believe held me back in years past when it came to forgiveness is a idea that somehow it would limit me.

It would keep me stuck in a cycle of pain.

I would be at the mercy of the perpetrator through remembrance.

Vulnerable.

That was a lie.

Forgiveness is not a perpetual state, but rather an intentional process.

Freedom does not come in forgiveness. It comes through the process of forgiveness.

I grow tired of this concept of Christianity holding us back or keeping us bound.

I do not know about you, but my faith sets me free!

Heaven never asked us to wallow in sorrow, only to acknowledge the hurt and let the healing - your healing, my healing, the healing of our world - begin through forgiveness.

We church-folk love to quote Psalm 23, but let's take a closer look at one verse:

Surely your goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever. ~Psalm 23:6, NIV

I was always led to believe that goodness and love (mercy) followed me to bless me, but what if they also there to be used by me?

What do you need to forgive? I need goodness and love.

Forgiveness is the final form of love. - Reinhold Niebuhr

And so I can live free, I need goodness and love loving me and provoking me all the days of my life!

Salvation saves our soul. Forgiveness saves our life.

Forgiveness does not expose you. It protects you.

Don't you want to dwell,

rest,

abide,

have peace,

live out purpose,

not be held back by the pain of your past,

be set free in the house of your Lord forever.

Are you ready to do what it takes to get what you want?

The process begins now.

PHILLIPA WILLIAMS

Author | Founder | Ministry Coach

Thank you for joining me this month as we discuss Faith and Freedom! Was there something that stood out for you? Something that blessed you? Reply back and let me know! And don't keep the good to yourself. Feel free to share our content with family and friends!

AUGUST IS MY BIRTHDAY MONTH!

Hang out with me next month as I celebrate each week with something new and special just for you!

In the meantime, I love you but God loves you more.