It Took Me 1.5 Years to Forgive

I know, I know... the Bible teaches us to forgive, but it ain't always that easy.

Have you ever felt so betrayed to where you just wanted to forget the person, and everything associated with them? That was me a year and a half ago. I went through a situation where I did not see myself forgiving this person and their family for the hurt they caused me and my kid.

It was tough. I tried to pray for these individuals and couldn't at times.

I was so broken to where I was finding delight in the bad things that was happening to them. The whole time, I knew this was not how God wanted me to be, but let's face it - I was hurt.

One thing I've learned, is that you do not truly heal until you learn to forgive.

Just because you forgive a person does not mean you have to forget what they've done to you and act like it didn't happen. You just have to find it in your heart and make up in your mind that you are bigger than grudges and anger.

Unforgiveness can be consuming your life and you not even realize it.

You will have such a peace of mind when you let go of the burdens people have caused you.

It is not your job to retaliate nor make them pay for what they did to you. God has the power of vengeance and He does not need your help in doing so.

I used to have the mindset of "if they hurt you, hurt them back", but over the years, I've grown out of this mentality.

You guys wouldn't believe some of the things I've done to "get back" at people but thank God for deliverance. I was ruthless out here. No cap.

Once I learned that you cannot change how people treat you, nor dictate how they make you feel, I found peace in knowing that as long as I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing, and living right, I will continue to be blessed.

Have I hurt people? Yes. Have I betrayed people? Of course, but not once have I not gone to those persons and apologized. It's just the right thing to do. I am not bigger than admitting when I am wrong, or when I have not done right. I'm human, and humans make mistakes. It is how you conduct yourself afterwards that determines your true character.

How can you focus on becoming great if you are holding on to the actions of others? I know it may hurt, have you stressed, depressed, and all kinds of things, but you must look at the bigger picture.

People will move on with their life and do so unbothered.

You are only holding yourself back and getting in your own way when you hold on to things you need to let go of and let God handle.

I challenge you - think about what you are holding on to that you need to let go. Start with one person at a time. Don't overwhelm yourself but make a start each day to forgive those that hurt you.

You will feel a relief and a breath of fresh air once you do.