Feelings, Forgiveness, and Freedom

Hurt feelings are the worst. No matter how they happen, intentionally or not, we feel vulnerable in those moments when our hearts are exposed. When someone touches a “hot button,” we have to deal with whatever it brings up. We may shift into “defensive” mode: How could he do that to me? I’ll never trust him again! Or “self-critical” mode: I’m too sensitive... When will I stop being so dramatic? Or even “vengeful” mode: I’ll make sure she knows what she did—she’ll reap what she’s sown! No matter how it hits us, we do have a choice about how to move on.

First, giving ourselves the space to feel is so important! We can allow those hurt feelings to flow without hurting another person. If we take a moment, take a breath, and take them to the Lord, we can be mindful of His Spirit within us—never criticizing or condemning, always comforting, healing, and loving us through it all. That’s our first step toward the freedom of forgiveness. Regardless of whether an apology has happened (or ever will), we’re always invited to give that gift of forgiveness. We’ve surely received it ourselves, and the more we practice giving it, the freer we will be. 

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. —Ephesians 4:32 NASB 

Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you. —Proverbs 20:22 ESV 

Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. —Luke 6:37 NKJV 

Shanna Noel 
100 Days of Prayer 

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