Forgiveness is often a process, not a one-and-done stop

Wednesday Word

She was glad that another holiday was behind her. It had been a little tough, especially at night when she imagined families gathered to watch the fireworks that lit up every sky while casting shadows in her soul. 

Thanks for joining us for Wednesday’s Word with Kim-Evinda and Trench Classes United. Today’s blog shares a powerful experience that brought revelation and reality to the cornerstone of our relationship with Christ, which is forgiveness.
 
She settled into her coffee time with Jesus, she rewound the events of the day before. Almost immediately she felt the sweet sting of conviction at the surge of hurt and anger that had come out of seemingly nowhere as she lay by the pool…alone. And she had acted on it by sending a text message, or two, announcing her anger and grief. She realized she wasn’t just grieving the loss of her marriage but also the loss of his family that had been her family for almost 18 years.
That realization validated her and convicted her all at the same time.

She opened her Bible to a passage in the Book of Luke to review the previous day’s message about prayer. Jesus was teaching His disciples how to pray. She read it and read it again, as well as the commentary/expository notes below.

“Forgiveness is the cornerstone of a relationship with Christ.”
What in the world, she thought aloud, I thought I was reading about prayer?
He didn’t waste any time in responding.
“70x7.”
“Why do you use that number anyway?” She retorted.
“Because life will keep reminding you of how you’ve been wronged and by who!”

His gentle word caused all of her would-be resentments to flee and a peace that transcended all understanding flooded her broken heart, once again. Yes, forgiveness is often a process, and as the reminders continue to come, she was determined to forgive and allow Him to put the pieces of her shattered heart back together.

Friend, is there someone you haven’t forgiven for something? May I encourage you to practice this 70x7 principle of forgiveness, and by the way, if you’re counting, are you really forgiving?

Forgiven,
Kim-Evinda