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[dropcap2 variation=”coffee”]S[/dropcap2]omeone once described forgiveness as a tug-of-war. Let go of your end of the rope, and the war is over.
Rather, I should say, the war is over for you. The other party might choose to keep holding their end of the rope. They could decide to keep pulling and yanking, exerting tremendous energy in an attempt to come out on top. Sometimes they will do anything to get you pick up your end of the rope again.
But as long as you refuse to pick up that rope, the war is over – for you.
In the New Testament, the word for forgiveness has the idea of releasing a bird from a snare. You are the bird. Un-forgiveness keeps you captive. When you forgive, it’s you that you’re setting free.
Maybe you’ve been betrayed or abused. Perhaps you’ve been neglected or rejected. You are not alone. Yes, it hurts, and it matters. Don’t let it continue to damage you. Jesus knows. He understands because he’s been there. In fact, he is still being betrayed, rejected, and abused. He is the forgiveness expert. Lean into him.
Release, and release again. As many times as it takes. Refuse to be controlled by others and the past. Make forgiveness one of your closest friends.
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