Tracy Johnson, GFC Van Dyke

Have you ever made a choice in your life that you look back on and cringe at the mere thought of it? I have! For many years I allowed that choice to define my identity and shape my very existence. I walked around with a smile (even in church) for all to see. But, on the inside, a battle raged! This battle was destroying me!

Forgiveness is very personal to me because it has played a part in teaching me how to love myself and helped me to understand where my true identity comes from. When Jesus was on the cross and He said these words, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” He was looking at me, He was looking at you. Jesus was crying out for you and me, can you see His bruised and broken body? I see Jesus crying out because of his Love. I have to admit, this kind of love took some time for me to believe because this sin to me was unforgivable!

But God said differently in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me”

I stand in a love that is greater than anything I could comprehend or imagine. I thank God for His forgiveness. Through His forgiveness I was able to forgive myself, which is a whole other blog post!

All in all, Forgiveness holds power, Forgiveness is an act of love, forgiveness sets forth redemption, and forgiveness grants freedom. We are forgiven, now forgive yourself??