HEBREWS 12:14 (KJV)
I knew that God wanted me to forgive my friend and move on, but I really didn’t want to. I had been told before that unforgiveness is like fertilizer to weeds of bitterness. Where un-forgiveness remains unchecked, bitterness eventually takes over, until it is impossible to enjoy being around anyone anymore. It was a hard thing to do because I was still hurt, but I asked God to give me the love I needed to forgive her. His answer was a process. He asked me to do several, deliberate acts of kindness for my friend, to soften my heart towards her. I learned to redirect my thoughts when I began to get angry at how she had treated me. I started praying for her and for myself. And I had to accept responsibility for whatever part I played in the break down of our friendship. As I took those steps of obedience, the healing process began. God has restored my relationship with her, and though it is not the same as it once was, we have truly forgiven each other and moved on. When your own journey finds you in a battle to forgive or not, remember that God is waiting to give you the grace to walk through it His way, if you are willing to humble yourself and obey.
Maranatha Schulte, 17, Ben Lippen School, Columbia, SC
Forgiving is so hard, Father.
Teach me how to do it even when it
seems like it isn’t possible.