Gym life lesson #3
Forgiveness is healing
In one of my lower elementary classes a boy accidentally bumped into another classmate. She was okay but I asked for him to make sure she was okay and to apologize for accidentally bumping into her.
Asking for forgiveness is awkward and hard sometimes so I gave him the words, “will you forgive me for accidentally bumping into you?” He looked her in the eyes and repeated the words.
The little girl stood before him and listened as he spoke and then said, “of course, I forgive you.”
I could see the boy was relieved to be forgiven and the girl appreciated the apology. They heaviness that was there before was lightened by this small interaction and they both ran back to participate in the activity. Their small but heartfelt interaction warmed my heart.
Sometimes people accidentally hurt others and sometimes it’s purposeful, either way forgiveness is an essential part of the healing process to restore the relationship.
I share this with you today, inspired by these two younger students. I invite you to join me to…
pause. breathe. pray.
If we have purposefully or accidentally hurt someone, I pray we can humble ourselves to ask for their forgiveness. And if someone asks us to forgive them, may we forgive them to help heal our own heart and to mend the relationship.
Yet please know if someone has repeatedly and purposefully hurt you, forgiving them will help cleanse your heart whether they ask for forgiveness or not. Also, forgiving someone who repeatedly and purposefully hurts you doesn’t mean you have to make yourself vulnerable to the same hurt again. Pray about if space is needed in that relationship to help the healing. If so, may God give you the wisdom and courage to take that necessary step.
With love and hope,
Shawn
“…forgive each other, just as God through Christ forgave you.” - Ephesians 4:32