Forgiveness frees you to know God deeply. . .even when hurt by Christians.
Life’s battles maim, immobolize, and mock. What’s worse? Battles in the church. Yes, we Christians can slice and dice by our sisters and brothers in Christ, as Debbie Taylor Williams learned the hard way.
The author of The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World, What to Do When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan, Debbie served on a divided pastor search team that was a huge challenge to her, both emotionally and spiritually.
The other day she told me, “I had never experienced such intense conflict within the church and was shocked and saddened. I was also hurt. I wanted to stay home instead of continuing to go to church. It was hard to continue to serve the body. God showed me, however, that I had to let go of my anger if I was going to continue to serve Him.”
Debbie felt bitter, but she didn’t let bitterness get the best of her. I invite you to hear the rest of Debbie’s story and how God showed her the path to forgiveness.
She is my guest on my online radio show, “Sisterhood of Beautiful Warrior,” on Tuesday at 2 p.m. Eastern (11 a.m. Pacific). To listen to the show LIVE, simply click this link and you’ll hear it though your computer. 🙂 Are you busy at this time, then listen to the archived show. Here’s the link.
Have you walked where Debbie has? In the land of bitterness? Has a Christian sister or brother hurt you so bad that you fel like giving up and stop worshipping God at church? Debbie understands. I do too.
Yet Scripture says, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Forgiving isn’t easy. But it hurts. It hurts to hold on to unforgivenss. Thank God that He has a better plan for us.
Question: Do you think it’s possible to forgive. . .always? Leave a comment and enter the book giveaway.
You Are Beautiful!
We, too, have been through a torn church situation. It’s not pretty. So glad to read about beautiful Debbie again. Thanks, Lucy!
I can’t count the life and church situations that have occurred, causing me to be bitter and resentful. It has taken me many years to understand some important principles about forgiving. I now believe that forgiveness is always possible and results in a quality of peace and joy so much better than any revenge or grudge we can hold on to.
Thanks, Lucy for your work.
I have learned that we are supposed to forgive, it is a matter of choice and will, but that just because we choose to forgive, does not mean we must forget, nor is trust instantly rebuilt, nor is the relationship instantly rebuilt. However, I have learned, that making the active choice to prayerfully forgive the sin, as I too am guilty of sin, is really helpful to me. I find it really hard to forgive if the other person does not repent, but I forgive to obey God and become more like Christ 🙂 Debbie’s story is truly a moving story of forgiveness, and I am so thankful she shared! Thank you both! God bless!
Oh I have been here. I guess it’s important to remember that even the awesomest person of faith that we admire the most, like even Beth Moore, is still human. They still make mistakes, they are still human. Satan sure would love it if He could convince us not to go to church anymore because of conflict. So, stomp on His parade, forgive, and go onward and upward! We already have the victory in hand, right!?!?
i have seen such awful comments from people who call themselves christian but seem to have little in common with christ,i forgive them and pray for them and i thank God for the strength he/she gives me,when in doubt God is always there to take away your fear and to help you do the hardest thing,to forgive yourself