The good thing about God's love is that it is never blinded by prejudice. He knows us more intimately than any lover would. He loves us more than the greatest Father in the world today. He sees our sin, but he forgives it and casts it into the sea of forgetfulness. He views us as righteous, not because we are righteous, but because he is looking at us through Jesus. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, but he absolutely never condemns.
If you feel weighed down with condemnation, that is not of God. God's love is so free, so full of grace. He loves you too much for you to stay in your sin, or to wallow in self-pity for wrongs done to you, but he does allow you to do so if that is your choice. God bought your freedom for a high, high price. He also bought your healing from the wounds inflicted by life or by other people.
Forgiveness starts with a simple choice, but it is a journey. You may deal with anger still; you may rehash events for a time. But continue to make the choice to forgive every day, even if the person continues to offend you on a daily or even hourly basis. Ask God to show you the good qualities in this person and you may be surprised to see the beauty in this fellow image-bearer of God. God created each person with a special beauty and unique giftings and talents. Some people bury them deep inside but they are there, beneath all the hurt, the wounds, and the lies.
The truth will set you free! It does not enslave you. Stop trying to please every one in your life, and live for an audience of one. Jesus will help you, the Holy Spirit will lead you, and the Father's blessing will rest upon you.
Now to him who is able to keep you from falling. And to present you faultless before the Presence with exceeding joy. To the Only Wise God, our Father, be glory and majesty and dominion and power both now and forever more!
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