Let's face it: without having experienced the love of Christ, the human heart can be very unforgiving. Even united to Christ, well-meaning Christians do struggle with hurts and pain others have inflicted on them. We've learned the world's system very well: extend a token "I forgive you" and then deny any real attempt at reconciliation (definition: the restoration of friendship). I'm not saying that every damaged friendship can or should be restored, but I do believe that each heart in the matter should desire at least to *attempt* to reconcile with the other. To say "I forgive you" and not attempt reconciliation is not true forgiveness. Why? Because that heart attitude is consistent with the spirit of the world, but not of Christ.
When someone refuses to truly forgive you and at least attempt reconciliation, what do you do? How are you released? You must realize this: they have not truly seen how Christ has forgiven and appealed to them; therefore, their denial for reconciliation and the ultimate desire to keep you in prison is not a reflection on you, it's a reflection on how they see Jesus.
There's your release: they're holding Jesus captive to their judgment, not you. Jesus willingly became a captive so you could be set you free.
Grace=Peace,
Jeremy
For another post on this, click here: http://jdkrider.blogspot.com/2013/07/grace-forgiveness-must-extend-potential.html
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