Forgiveness-Part Three, Testimonies

Forgiveness -Theory or Reality

It is clear through Scripture that as Christians we are commanded to forgive, it is not an option. If we are commanded to forgive then as Christians we should live a life of forgiveness. Sadly, it appears that most Christians would see a lifestyle of forgiveness as a theory, not a reality. They would say no one can live a life in ongoing forgiveness. However, i will say that through my own personal experience you can live a life of forgiving people as needed. That it can become second nature if you want it to be.

I am not saying at times it will be hard. I am not saying that at times you may be tested and need to revisit forgiveness, but it will not be something you resist, it will be something you embrace.

Forgiveness-The Gift, The Blessing

When you experience the peace and freedom when you are walking in true forgiveness by the grace of God you see it as a blessing to be able to forgive. So you do not want to do anything to interfere with that blessing. So you reject unforgiveness. You also realize that it is a gift from God to walk in forgiveness so you cherish the gift by protecting. You do not let bitterness, resentment, hatred steal that gift from you.

Testimony One-A Victim of Rape

In the podcast I share the story of a woman who made the decision to walk in forgiveness. Here is a summary. A woman was jogging in a park and was raped. After the rapist left she walked unto the street looking for help. A car pulled up, it was the rapist and he raped her again. She finally got rescued. While in the hospital a pastor visited her. He told her “I have the hardest thing possible to say to you. If you want true freedom at some point you will need to forgive the rapist.” The woman’s response was “I made a decision that day that the rapist would not steal another second of my time so I made the decision to forgive him.” The pastor’s point and the victim’s point was that when we do not forgive we allow the perpetrator to occupy space in our head and affect the rest of our life in a negative way.

You will say it is impossible to do what the rape victim did. You are correct it is impossible without the grace of God. But praise God for His grace. To walk in forgiveness is a free gift from God. Grab hold of it and do not let it go.

Testimony Two-A Victim of Adultery, My Story

It takes too much time to write the entire story, so be sure and listen to the podcast. This is a summary. I was an atheist who became a Christian. Within the first year of my Christian walk I came to a belief that my wife at the time was cheating on me with a co-worker of hers. I was working a graveyard shift and could not work because I was being haunted by the thought my wife was most likely cheating on me that night. I left work and drove to the co-workers house. My wife’s car was there. I left and headed towards my house to get my pistol. I had no idea what I would do. As I was driving, I had a clear impression of God saying “Christians do not kill, they forgive.” I turned around, went to the house and knocked on the door. The co-worker answered the door in his underwear. I told him I forgave him. I then knelt at the bed wear my wife was lying naked and told her I forgave her, and that if I came home in the morning and she was home I would continue to forgive her. I drove back to work in absolute peace beyond understanding. There is more to the story. But the point is God gave me the gift of forgiveness, and I have lived a lifestyle of forgiveness by His grace.

Testimony Three-Forgiving Myself, My Story

It takes too much time to write the entire story but here is a summary and listen to the podcast. Over 40 years ago there was a time in my life when I was consumed with suicidal thoughts. This occurred for a few years. Much of it was based upon self-hatred for a variety of reasons. All of this changed in a specific moment when I experienced a revelation of the love of God for me. The power of forgiveness is not just toward someone else but towards ourselves.

I also had to forgive myself for having my girlfriend get an abortion, having my child murdered.

Testimony Four-A Victim of False Accusations, My Story

I was a senior pastor of a church. I was known as a holiness preacher, I preached regularly God calls us to walk in holiness and our lives should be no appearance of evil. Something horrific came my way. Listen to the podcast for the full story. To summarize, a police detective walked into my church office and told me a young lady accused my of raping her. I laughed. Yes, I laughed because it was so insanely ridiculous to me. I answered all the detectives questions. I provided any information he wanted. I had total peace in spite of something that could absolutely destroy my life. The whole time I had no anger, bitterness, hate in me. All I felt was compassion for the young lady thinking what would cause her to do this to me. A few days later the officer told me other things that the young lady accused me of. Still no unforgiveness towards her. Ultimately it became clear she was lying and no charges were ever filed. Later on I found out exactly what she had said occurred. It was mind boggling to me and offensive, but again God gave me the gift of forgiveness.

I have so many other stories of forgiveness. I believe God has given me special grace and the gift of forgiveness. But I do not believe I am special and that the gift of forgiveness is available to all who want it. it may not come as easy as it did for me, but the grace to forgive is available to all who truly want it.

Accountability

Be aware, forgiveness does not mean to not hold people accountable for their evil actions. That accountability will look different in each situation. Giving forgiveness may or may not include the demand for justice to occur. We discuss this and some of the myths regarding forgiveness in the next podcast.

Forgiveness-Part Three, Testimonies Podcast

Forgiveness Podcast Series
Forgiveness-Introduction
Forgiveness-Part One, Bible Verses
Forgiveness-Part Two, Freedom and Peace
Forgiveness-Part Three, Testimonies
Forgiveness-Part Four, What is True Forgiveness?
Forgiveness-Part Five, Application
Forgiveness-Part Six, Prayer