Forgiveness and repairing a relationship are two different things
One of the core tenets of being a Christian is the practice of forgiveness. On the high level, we believe Jesus forgives us all of our sins and imperfections so that we may experience eternal life with Him. On a more human level, we are called to forgive others and ourselves, so that we may live in a world unburdened by grudges and pettiness and so people can heal and move on.
However, forgiveness is almost always difficult for us, even after thousands of years of it being taught in Christian cultures. Why is this so? Well, one reason why forgiveness may be so difficult is that we confuse it with repairing a relationship, which is an entirely different thing.
How repairing a relationship is different than forgiveness
Forgiveness between one person and another usually means there is some sort of damage done in a relationship that needs to be healed. While forgiveness is certainly the first and biggest step in healing a relationship and moving on as people, there is more to follow.
Forgiveness is an action taken by one person who is willing to take the first step in moving past anger and pain and working toward reconciliation. However, reconciling a relationship requires two people to work toward it. Both people must be willing to forgive each other. Both people must be willing to work toward repairing the damage done.
Forgiveness is an outward action but can be more of an interior discipline. You may forgive someone who thinks they don’t need it or is not ready to rebuild their connection with you. They might never be. But the act of forgiveness itself can be restorative for you and may affect them on a deeper level than they currently understand.
On its own, forgiveness is good and powerful, and the lack of promise for a restored relationship shouldn’t stop you. However, if you do want to restore the relationship, and both parties are willing to work together on this, then you need to do this as the next step of healing from whatever pain or anger was caused.
Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey
At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. We are currently going through a new sermon series titled “(Un)Believable: Grown up questions about the Bible.” It’s all about redefining what we consider normal in life as we seek to make our lives more like the way Jesus would have them to be.
Do you want to grow in your faith, or are you simply curious about who this Jesus guy is? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.