Mind Shift - Forgiveness

Erwin McManus says, "To understand forgiveness as a strength is one of the most powerful mind shifts we will ever make."

One aspect of forgiveness is setting yourself free from trying to control someone else's actions or emotions. We hold on to our feeling about our interactions with other people and put our hope in a preferred future with them. Part of forgiveness is letting go of the need to control that person.

Are you trying to manipulate or change that person in anyway? Will you only respond positively if they admit they were wrong or wronged you in some way? Are you holding on to your preferred version of that person? No one can fully life up to another person's expectations for their lives.

I was thinking about how Jesus related to his disciples or how he relates to us. He certainly has a preferred path for our life, but he does not change how he feels about us when we fail or fall short again and again. The Holy Spirit does not try to manipulate us into doing his will. We live under a continual state of forgiveness, love, and grace. Jesus leads us on the correct path by giving of himself, by serving and leading by example.

McManus says, "If you want to be free of negative emotions, you must write a new story." Forgiving another person or letting go of the need to control them will set you and them free to write that new story. Turn your focus toward changing yourself and trust in the witness of God's power through your life.

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