Living in Christ After DivorceSample

Remembering Forgiveness

Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)

I remember the first time I really understood the meaning of this passage of scripture. It was after my divorce and during my custody battle. For me, they didn’t happen simultaneously, but they were two things no one ever wants to experience in life, yet my life story was impacted by both. 

My season of a custody battle and divorce were ones in which I learned so much about forgiveness, especially toward those with recurring offenses. 

During these seasons I often felt that  I had every right to be angry, bitter, resentful and unforgiving. I couldn’t understand how the person who was causing me the greatest challenge was once a friend and life partner. I was grieved at the reality that we were at war as if we were enemies. The things said and done before and during that season to harm me certainly felt intentional. 

Yet, in my quiet time, I was often reminded of the words spoken by Jesus as he prepared to die a tragic death for me, and my ex-spouse. 

Forgive THEM!

Forgiveness is not a gift given to those who deserve it and it is not a promise to never be hurt by the person again. It is a posture of submission to God. 

Submission of my right to hold things against them. 

Submission of my right to be angry, bitter, and unforgiving.

Submission of my will, my way, my reasoning.

Submission of my entitlements and judgments.

Over time, I have learned that unforgiveness is a silent killer to God being glorified in my situation. He can get the glory out of everything if we allow him to. The act of forgiving invites Jesus into our situations and he is well equipped to handle every aspect of it. The lies, hurt, deception, all of it. It isn’t always easy to walk in forgiveness but it is always worth it in the end.

So today, I want to invite you to forgive. Not because you have to but because laying down the weight of unforgiveness has a far greater return than holding onto it!

Today’s Devotional written by Rachel Scott of Better Than Blended