Forgiving some one who has hurt you deeply can be one of the most difficult things we as Christians must do. I heard a testimony years ago that has stuck with me. A young man straight from college went abroad to travel before settling down. While riding a bike in (if memory serves me) Paris, he was struck and killed by a drunk driver. After the court hearing the mother of the victim went to the jail to visit the man who had killed her son..He was ready for the slap and tongue lashing but instead, She hugged him and told him she forgave him..and prayed with him. The Man did not understand how she could show such kindness...her own family were angry..But her statement rings true for us all...she told them, how can she expect her Savior to forgive her of her sins, if she cannot forgive others...The forgiveness was not for the man who killed her son, but for her...forgiveness allows us to move on and become "unbound"by the shackles of anger or pain someone has caused us... Forgiving is not telling them they are free of the charges, or resolved from them... but freedom for you....you don't even have to face that person to forgive..just let go. The weight off your shoulder will be felt instantly...there will be a lightness in your day!...Forgiveness opens us up for God to work in us and through us...Our pain can help others but only if we are truly free of its bondage...
Many Blessings