Forgiveness

FORGIVENForgiveness "The best reason for forgiving is not that we will live longer or feel better....The best reason for forgiving or for seeking forgiveness is that, in this way, we will glorify God and reveal His character to those around us." Great evils plague our world. Terrorists fly planes filled with innocent travelers into occupied building and carry out suicide attacks in crowded public places. Political leaders mastermind vicious acts of genocide. Executives mismanage money, destroying the life saving of hard-working employees and stockholders. Religious leaders use their position to exploit vulnerable children and adults. Parents abuse children, and spouses abuse each other. We all have been sinned against, sometimes in terrible ways, sometimes in smaller, but still hurtful ways. Can we forgive, and even pray for those who hurt us? What if the offender does not or will not repent? Do we forgive anyway? Honesty also requires us to admit that we sometimes are the ones who inflict the pain. We all sin: against God, and against other people. We may try to deny, repress, or rationalize our actions, but our hearts know that we have wronged others; usually, it's those we love most. Gary Inrig says that forgiving cannot be a mere intellectual exercise; it requires you to face people and situations you'd rather ignore. And he offers no simple formulas. His insights and wisdom will stretch your understanding of what forgiveness really is, and will open your hear to the cleansing, liberation, and transformation that true and appropriate forgiveness brings.