After forgiving, I found myself still hurting.

This kind of hurt feels like the healing stage of a surgical procedure. The removal of a bad tooth for example.

The swelling stage, this looks like me in tears, upset and didn’t want to speak to anyone.

The rebuilding stage was me accepting that it happened. I no longer have a tooth, it’s an empty space now. Wow they really walked out of my life, or he/she really did that to me. Acknowledging where I am mentally, spiritually, and physically with the situation.

Final stage, healing which is remodeling. What once was a hole is now nicely healed. I have forgiven them and myself. Here we don’t hold grudges, we can go on social media and not feel any type of way when they pop up. Maybe even send a good morning text, or have a good day.

The thing is to continue to forgive.

It’s an ongoing process. It is not a one and done action.

Mathew 18:21-22 “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother and sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” NIV version

Have you forgiving?