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More on forgiveness and the Bible to follow soon. Stay tuned.

Forgiveness is a decision, an act of the will. Forgiveness is not an emotion. One chooses to forgive. It is a choice.

There is no miracle involved in the forgiveness process. Jesus simply commands us to forgive. Seventy times seven actually. Which is to say that we are commanded to forgive continuously. A choice, not an emotion.

If there is a miracle, it is in the process of acquiring the eyes of Jesus so we can see people (even those who have hurt us) with love and compassion.

More on forgiveness in future posts. For now, let’s remember 1. the definition of forgiveness, giving up our right to get even, and 2. the revelation that forgiveness is a choice and not an emotion.

“He that is without sin among you, let him cast a stone at her.” (John 9:7)

“Forgive us our sins as we forgive others.” (Matthew 6:12)

“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

I’ve been dealing with resentment. My closest friend turned against me and threw me under the bus. I can’t explain the hurt and pain I feel down deep in my soul. Any words of advice for my broken heart?

Love, J.

A: Dear J.,

I am so very sorry. I understand. More than you realize. I myself have dealt with a painful experience that fractured a very close relationship. I will say this, miracles can and will happen. The love of Christ and time will bring wonders in your life if you are patient and your spirit is humble.

To further address your question, I will share a public email that I received from Bernie James, a former colleague of mine in the School of Law at Pepperdine University. The entire message below is the word of encouragement that he recently shared with me. I hope it will inspire, comfort, and encourage you too.

Blessings and all the best, Andrei

Road Trip by Bernie James

All my spiritual life, I think constantly of being home with the Lord and especially of beholding the face of Him whom I serve in life. I am on a spiritual road trip toward Heaven.

Two of the roads that I must travel because they lead to a joyful, successful road trip are named Goodness and Forgiveness. Scripture warns that if I am not kind to others for whom the road of life gets too steep, then God will not be kind to me. So too, I am told to forgive seventy times seven – in other words – to not count the times I forgive someone.

To avoid the roadblocks in my spiritual road trip I must love my neighbor. It is simply my passport to life.

— “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” — James 2:13.
— “Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” — Matthew 7:14.
— “In the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” — Matthew 7:2.