Forgiving is only the beginning of fixing

One of the core tenets of being a follower of Christ is the practice of forgiveness. People wrong each other all the time in small ways and big ways. God chose to forgive us of all of our sins against Him, and He expects His followers to behave similarly toward others. However, what it means to forgive isn’t always so clear, especially when the offender chooses to continue offending.  

Forgiveness doesn’t mean immediate reconciliation

Forgiving someone means you acknowledge their wrongdoing toward you but do not hold them in contempt or in debt for it. It’s usually not easy to forgive someone for wrongdoing, so that’s great if you find the power to do so. However, just because you forgive someone of something, it doesn’t mean things are all good between you.

Reconciling or healing a relationship takes effort from both parties. While you may choose to forgive and take a step toward repairing the relationship, the other party may choose to continue offending or turn their back toward you. They may not even feel there is anything to forgive. 

In moments like these, it’s important to remember that forgiveness is still good. Just because the relationship isn’t repaired, it doesn’t mean that forgiveness is void. It just means that there are other things to work on beyond forgiveness or, possibly, to move on from this relationship or to take some space for a while. 

Forgiveness is as much for you as it is for them

Forgiving is a spiritual act that is healthy for you regardless of whether it’s well received. When we harbor anger and bitterness toward another in our hearts, we become more negative and hateful people. Forgiveness is a means of letting go of this anger so you can be a more whole and healthy person.

At Centerpoint Church, we believe in the power of forgiveness. Nobody is perfect and neither are we, so we strive to put forgiveness into practice. Want to learn more about forgiveness or what it means to follow Christ? We’d love to talk to you!