forgiveness. →
When we forgive someone, we aren’t saying that what they did didn’t hurt, that it wasn’t wrong, or that the action in itself is not deserving of punishment. Instead, we are making a statement that they are not their actions. We are speaking truth into their lives and saying, “Even though you may not realize it, you were made in the image of God. And even though what you did goes against your identity, it does not change your worth as a person. It does not change who you are. You are not your actions. I set you free. Your identity is in God.” This is love.
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” -Matthew 6:14-15
