“Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.” Proverbs 19:11
You maybe struggling in forgiving someone who has deeply hurt you. You maybe thinking that’s a nice idea for somebody else. You maybe wondering if there is any real benefit for you? You could be thinking why should I? You maybe struggling to forgive? You may want to but might need a practical idea to get you started on your journey. This is an experimental community project discovering the power of forgiveness through posting original creative art, but first let’s answer some of those burning questions…
Is it just a nice idea?
“Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive,” said C.S. Lewis.
Forgiveness goes against our human understanding and feelings. We choose to pardon and set a person free that we have held in the torture chamber of our hearts. Unforgiveness when allowed to continue unchecked becomes a debilitating disease that will eventually destroy us.
Is there any real benefits?
“Forgiveness, however, may bring enormous benefits to the person who gives that gift, according to recent research. If you can bring yourself to forgive and forget, you are likely to enjoy lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system, and a drop in the stress hormones circulating in your blood, studies suggest. Back pain, stomach problems, and headaches may disappear. And you’ll reduce the anger, bitterness, resentment, depression, and other negative emotions that accompany the failure to forgive.” WebMD
Why should I forgive?
The Bible says…
“And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 (NLT)
“If you love me, obey my commandments.” John 14:15 (NLT)
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also.” Luke 6:27-29 (NLT)
I’m still struggling, is this possible?
“Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:26 (NLT)
Jesus was despised, rejected, humiliated and finally executed in the most barbaric and inhuman way. Yet even after all this when He was experiencing unimaginable pain and suffering Jesus said,
“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 (NLT).
Wow! Even in death Jesus still had compassion on those who were putting Him to death, that is perfect unconditional love and forgiveness. If you are struggling why not ask Jesus to help you by praying this prayer.
Thank You Jesus for dying that horrible death for me that I might be forgiven. I choose to forgive …(name them here)… that have hurt or offended me as best as I know how. Help me Jesus to release them from my judgement and to bless them. May I also seek Your forgiveness from those who I may have hurt or offended so that I may experience freedom. In Jesus name, Amen
How can I discover the power of forgiveness through posting original creative art?
The idea is to express your prayerful thoughts, emotions and passions in a positive way (nothing offensive please) through original creative artwork onto one side of a card (no larger than an A4 sheet). You can use magazines, newspapers and other media material clippings to create your masterpiece. Each one must clearly have written on them somewhere “I forgive…”. Then just post anonymously to Forgive & Forget, Christ Church Vicarage, Carlisle Street, Felling, NE10 0HQ, England, UK where the postcard will be scanned and posted here below for everyone in the community to appreciate.
This will benefit you practically by expressing your God given creative potential within and releasing that person. The added bonus will be that other people maybe struggling with the same areas of forgiveness you had and may find the strength to forgive as well through your posted artwork.
It maybe be difficult and challenging to forgive but with God all things are possible and He is faithful in helping you find lasting freedom from your pain.
