Forgiveness Quiz #1

Statement #1.  Where deep wounds are concerned, forgiveness can be unpacked in a moment.  FALSE.

Bottom line: Forgiveness is often more like relocating a family than unpacking a suitcase. That does not mean it’s not important to make a decision to forgive.

Here is how I define “unpacking forgiveness.”

“unpacking forgiveness”: (1) To understand biblical truth about forgiveness and the application of that truth to complex problems in life.  (2) To unload the burdens we carry because of wounds that we have received from others, and given to others.

So, there are two goals of unpacking forgiveness.  The first is to understand biblical teaching.  The second is to implement that understanding and to be freed from the burdens that weigh us down.

Neither of these goals is completely accomplished in a moment.  Unpacking forgiveness is like relocating a family.  While you may “move” on a particular day, unpacking takes a lot longer.  It’s a process.  Boxes remain packed for months, years even.  My family moved almost two years ago and we are still unpacking.

But, don’t be discouraged by that.  While it is true that unpacking forgiveness is a process, with God’s help it is one that you can work through.  The key is to get started.  If you have been deeply wounded in life, then you cannot afford to leave the boxes stacked somewhere in the basement.  With God’s help you need to understand what his Word teaches and how you find rest and healing by his grace.

Make a decision to do the right thing.  Then begin living that decision out.