I Can’t Forgive

I wish I can type this and say how forgiveness came easily for me. How I could move forward without it getting to my mind, my heart, my whole being. It wasn’t until the very shocking day occurred.

Do you ever feel it is impossible to forgive the circumstance? Forgive the one(s) who hurt you whether unintentionally or intentionally?

The pain resurfaces. The hurt comes back. The memories we thought we erased came up from under the rug.

As I read the story of Jospeh and how he faced some serious life struggles, I had seen in those moments how God was woven into each hardship he faced. I was able to see the forgiveness he extended to his brothers who sold him into slavery. You could see God’s hand at work in it all.

In the moments when forgiveness seems impossible to do, in the painful memories that resurface and it hurts too much to revisit again, it is in those moments we invite God into our pain, our hurt, our unforgiveness so he can dig out the dirty parts of us and set us free.

Josephs story is written in Genesis 37-50. In each part of his story you will find so many struggles he faced with people. You would think how could this happen. Why would this happen?

It wasn’t because God was being mean to Joseph allowing it to happen. It was to show God’s glory and hands all over Joseph’s life. Because of forgiveness God gave Joseph, he was able to forgive his brothers.

Sis’, because we have been forgiven by our wonderful loving Father, we can extend that same forgiveness we experienced to others.

Forgiving the person/circumstance isn’t merely saying we are okay with what was done. Forgiving is saying “I am choosing to release this unforgiveness to God, I am choosing to release this person who has held my heart, mind, emotions far too long and surrendering it to Jesus.”

Forgiving isn’t easy right away. But the more we wake up each day choosing to put on forgiveness before an offense is even made, it will come easier knowing we hold onto God’s hand in this.

If you have struggled with holding onto unforgiveness, I know how it all feels. I know the deep sigh, the pain, the hurt, the bitterness and anger that resides. But I also know the freeing gift that is given to us from Jesus.

**UPDATE as of 2023, there will be an e-book digital download rather then the email devotional being sent.** There is a 7 day devotional called Breaking Free From Unforgiveness that gets sent daily to your email.

Sister in Christ, I pray that you will experience the wonderful peace and wholeness that comes from Jesus when we lay our unforgiveness down at his feet.

In Christ,
Nicole.