have you learned how to truly forgive someone?

Question

It's easy to say the words....
have you truly deeply LEARNED forgiveness?
thank you

Answer 1

That is what Jesus was talking about in being "born again". He had just spent his life's work giving his life's message about forgiving others; turn the other cheek, sermon on the mount, forgiving your enemies, and of course the lord's (sample) prayer.

But even his disciples didn't get it. So finally Jesus warned them and us; Jesus said, "If you do not forgive others, your father in Heaven will not forgive you". - That is one of the clearest verses in the Bible; and it is not subject to misinterpretations. Yet, it is very difficult, if not impossible to do, unless you are "born again", born again into a spirit and justice system that does not allow you to hold a grudge, and never ever seek revenge.

How are we originally born? Watch little children, when one is hurt it is his/her birthright to get mad, hold a grudge, fight back, and seek revenge. Why? Cause he or she was only born by water (the pregnant mother breaking her water just before the baby is delivered).

When we are "born again" (this time by the Holy Spirit) we have a new attitude and a new justice system. One that makes us suitable for "Heaven" a place of other harmony loving, and forgiving individuals. -

And that my dear is what Jesus was referring to after he referred to his "message" to Nicodemus. -

John 3:16 and the conversation that followed was referring to Jesus' many many "messages" on the subject of forgiveness.

When we are born in the spirit, the Holy Spirit will witness to us just like Jesus promised. The Reward: The Holy Spirit will also witness to us that "after our stay on Earth, we will be welcomed in Heaven with our attitude of unlimited forgiveness"; unlimited attitude of forgiving others for their mistakes.

Edit for Bible students: It wasn't that Nicodemus didn't want to go to Heaven, or be spiritually uplifted, or get a taste of the Kingdom of Heaven while still here on Earth....... Nicodemus was not persuaded because he simply couldn't see himself as becoming a person who freely forgives others. Why? It is a scary thing to really forgive a person, cause to really forgive someone you must give them a "fresh start". And, if you are in the habit of giving a person a fresh start, then that person could abuse you or take advantage of you on a regular basis. -

Now comes "faith" - Faith in what? Faith in Jesus, more specifically faith in Jesus' message of forgiving others and that it will work regardless of how illogical it sounds (if faith did not exist).

Answer 2

Sure, the Lord has taught me how to truly forgive someone. You know that you have truly forgiven someone when you hear some good news about them like they got a promotion you don't think they deserved or a spouse that you think is too good for them or an honor that you think that someone else should have gotten and you are happy for them and can congratulate them with sincerity.

Of course, it's easy to "know" how to truly forgive a person but we all need God's help to actually accomplish that feat.

Answer 3

My forgiveness story is a long one but, yes I have forgiven the person that has hurt me the most. Although I haven't outright said 'I forgive you', I have in my heart forgave. It is a hard lesson to learn, forgiving, but I learnt from some very wise people, that you don't forgive someone for their sake. You forgive someone for your sake. It is horrible carrying around the burden of feeling bitterness for someone.
But, at the same time someone may forgive but, no one will ever forget the person's actions. If there is a trick to do this, I don't know about it.

Answer 4

Ramjet; I have. For me, it require growing beyond the pain so that it's not a built in tolerance. You can think upon those who have done you injury in the same way that someone that hadn't gone through it would. Forgiveness is really letting go of the pain.

Sometimes that takes removing yourself if that someone can't or won't change.

Situations and circumstances that cause you pain cannot continue for forgiveness to be more than words.

Answer 5

I'm working on it. For some reason it is hard for me. I am much more likely to just forget then to forgive. I do ok with most things. Like if someone cuts me off in traffic. No problem. But if someone hurts my family, they are on my bad list. Wish I could get over that. It takes a lot of energy to remember the people on my bad list.

Answer 6

Yes I have and it is very freeing. I had to learn that forgiveness makes us feel better. For many years I thought forgiveness meant I was condoning the actions of another. I now know that is not true.

Answer 7

Forgiveness can be very difficult. You think that you have and then something else happens and you realize that you still have junk left to take care of. Problem is we get offended and then we walk in it. One of the best books I have read on the topic of offense and forgiveness is Bait of Satan by John Bevere. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for help in this area.

Answer 8

The only way I have been able to forgive people is to understand that I have done things to offend and hurt people knowingly and unknowingly all of my life. So in order for me to be forgiven by God, I must forgive those that have hurt me. Hanging on to hatred will make you physically and mentally ill as well.

Answer 9

Sorry, but no. There are too many things that hurt too much. I'd like to forgive but can't. I know I'm wrong but I just can't forgive some things. Wish I could.

Answer 10

NO I have not. My best friend did some cruddy stuff and I forgave her and then out of the blue she came off with some lame excuse about how she didnt want to be friends anymore, and when asking her why, she came off with some pretty hurtful things, and I will not be able to forget about it, even is she does decide it was all stupid I am still not going to talk to her ever again. I one of those people that dont forget what people have done.