This is a verb that is slowly unfolding for me...the action part, that is. I understand what it's supposed to be and do within our lives. But the truth is, it's darn hard. Especially whenever and wherever there has been years of hurt, disappointment, and unchecked bitterness has taken root. I was reminded of a passage I read from a Best Selling prayer book, that said " If someone has caused you pain...
"If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely.6 The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient.7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.8 I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.9 Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.10 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake,11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes."
Of course after reading this I was convicted by the Holy Spirit, and had to ask for forgiveness for not being willing to forgive others around me and what I may have caused in their life as a result of being unwilling to give what God, so freely gave to us.
So when you know better, you must do better. So this week I put it into action, applying in many of my relationships, and sharing with others, the power of this rarely used principle.