(Author’s note: I have added a paragraph – forgiving and trusting are two different issues).
Through teaching, counseling & writing from the Word of God, I share God’s truth that forgiveness is the root of all spiritual, emotional and relational healthiness. The only way to ‘grow up’ unto the Lord is to know and do the act of forgiveness being obedient to the Lord.
Forgiveness is possible by a direct divine intervention by the power of the Holy Ghost. We can forgive the pain that others have caused us through any wrong act against us and release that person into the hands of the Lord for He is our avenger! Then we are set free by the power of God’s truth! It’s our choice! When we obey God’s command to forgive, He will help us process the pain of the offense and be healed emotionally and spiritually.
We must refuse to allow the pain from the past to control us in the present. We must refuse to allow the past to define who we are today. We must allow God’s truth to transform us through the knowledge of the Word of God. It’s being transformed by renewing our minds with God’s truth!
Daily in my counseling others by phone/Skype nationwide, I’m encountering the obstacle of not knowing how to forgive the pain from the past. There are three facets: accepting God’s forgiveness, the forgiving of self and the forgiving of others who have sinned against us. This is God’s truth that sets us free!
Many people have been abused by family members and church people, etc. This can create a distorted God concept. They have salvation, but Satan has filled their minds with so many lies, they do not live in victory. We must look at our life and ask the question, “What is God’s truth about this?”
Forgiving and trusting are two different issues. I can choose to forgive a person of an offense as an act of obedience unto the Lord. If the person refuses to accept responsibility for the offense or denies the offense, it would be impossible to trust that person again. Forgiveness does not always mean restoration of a relationship. Forgiveness is a choice. Trust is earned by correct behavior in any situation. Rebuilding trust takes time. It depends on the consistent behavior of the other person. He/she must acknowledge the wrong, repent of the wrong and show a right spirit. Trust is earned, not demanded.
It is my heartbeat daily to help others learn how to ‘be transformed by renewing their mind” through God’s Word. All things are possible by the power of God, but it is a process of learning and then application.
I teach seminars using God’s truth for spiritual, emotional and relational growth for churches and conferences.
God has given me the unique nationwide ministry of counseling by phone/Skype (636) 448-0121. I counsel for pastors and lay people from a God-based. Call me and I will explain. Go to my website: www.carolclemans.org for bio, 180+ articles, teaching CD’s & teaching DVD’s, book: GOD’S DESIGN FOR MARRIAGE – also teach marriage seminars for churches.
© Carol Clemans – Revised July 28, 2015