Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but whoever gossips about it separates friends. – (Proverbs 17:9, HCSB)
Forgive someone, and you will strengthen your friendship. Keep reminding them, and you will destroy it. – (Proverbs 17:9, ERV)
Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and – good-bye friend! – (Proverbs 17:9, MSG)
Those who forgive faults foster love, but those who repeatedly recall them ruin relationships. – (Proverbs 17:9, VOICE)
When we forgive someone and let go of the offense, we strengthen the relationship. However, when we hold onto the hurt and bring it up over and over again, we create a divide that cannot be mended. Can you imagine if God reminded us of every mistake that we have ever made, over and over again? We would run away from a relationship with Him. When we ask for His forgiveness, He throws it as far as the east is from the west, and loves us back to wholeness. We are called to do the same. As I consider my closest relationships, I recognize that we are quick to forgive one another and move forward. The love between us is far greater than the desire to hold onto any offense. This is not easy or automatic, but it is always worthwhile. Communication is critical, yet it is best done if it is done privately and with love. To be clear, there is a huge difference between faults and intentional harm. If harm is done intentionally, over and over again it is something that must be stopped, and often space is required to remain safe. It does not mean that we hold onto anger or bitterness, but rather we use wisdom and create room to not remain in such spaces. I am so grateful for those those before me who have modeled what it means to forgive and promote love in relationships that are meant to last. May we ever seek the Savior to show us how to forgive and release offenses so that we may love and build lasting relationships as He intended.
When we choose forgive,
and release offense;
we are building trust,
as grace we dispense.
We must choose let go,
of the hurt and weight;
embrace each other,
choose initiate.
Step out in goodness,
choose extend God’s grace;
make true forgiveness,
what is commonplace.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are called to forgive as You have forgiven us. Thank You that when You forgive us, it is gone. Forgive us for the times that we have held onto offenses or have spoken about it rather than worked to find restoration. Teach us to forgive as You do, and to choose love over and over again. Grant us wisdom in spaces where there is intentional, repeated offense to harm. Show us how to stay where we should and to find distance where we should not. In all things, lead us in love, forgiveness, and grace. Instruct us in how to forgive in ways that strengthen relationships as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your forgiveness and love, and seek You to lead us likewise. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love. – Psalm 103:8
Revelations In Writing 