The Journey to Forgiveness

So, Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart was concerned about Absalom. 2 Samuel 14:1 (NKJV)

David's heart was in conflict. He had anger and love competing with each other. He had two sons that he loved and one killed the other and then went into exile. He loved Absalom dearly but could not forgive him for killing Amnon. So, Joab knowing the conflict in David's heart was not good for him had a wise woman go to David and tell a story about her two sons of which one killed the other in a field. David realized that she was talking about his situation and he allowed Absolom to come back home from exile. The forgiveness was not complete because it took two years after that for David to fully forgive his son. It was a journey that David had to take.

Forgiveness is not easy. Was the sin that Jesus took on the cross for us easy? I rewatched The Passion with my wife recently which depicted what Jesus had to go through for us. The pain and the suffering that Jesus had withstand so that our sins could be forgiven was brutal. Even though it was the hardest thing that Jesus would ever have to do, he did it anyways because he loved us and he knew it was necessary for us to be in heaven with Him. He did it for everyone, including those who were crucifying Him. 1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” Jesus is the example to us, and even though it is hard, we need to take the journey to forgiveness so we can receive the emotional freedom, improved physical health, better relationships, and an inner peace that comes with forgiveness.

Choose to take the journey to forgiveness, even if it may seem that hardest thing you will do. Forgiveness does not condone harmful actions but frees yourself from the emotional chains of bitterness and resentment, allowing for personal growth and peace. Remember that forgiveness is a choice and may take time. Choose to go to prayer, asking Jesus to give you the strength to forgive the one who has harmed you. When you choose to take the path to forgiveness you can start a path that repairs and strengthen relationships, reduces conflicts, and restores trust and intimacy, shifting you from the negative to the positive.