March 2020

I don’t remember ever having trouble forgiving someone when they asked for forgiveness. In fact, I’ve just been grateful that they recognized my hurt and/or that our relationship was worth restoring.  The problem is when I get hurt but hide it so well that the offender doesn’t know or doesn’t seem to care.   However, God calls us to forgive offenses regardless of the offender’s response.

Matt. 18:21-22

From the journal. . . . February 2011

This day I read. . .

Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 

Hebrews 9:22

Lord is that why it’s more difficult for people to forgive when the offender isn’t sorry? Is it that we want to see some ‘shedding of blood’ or at least ‘remorse’ before we can forgive?  Is there a correlation between our human feelings and Your laws?

And I Believe God Said:

Sort of.  Sin needs to be taken seriously.  Blood gets people’s attention. It’s like an alarm. 

You personally, want acknowledgement that you or your people were affected by the sin or offence done to you. 

The shedding of blood. .  . That dramatic evidence – is to put light on sin, the darkness.

John 1:5

Help me Lord to always acknowledge my sin and to confess it before I get defensive.

Blood certainly does get our attention.  I think of kids who are fine when they fall, until they see blood!  That brings on the screaming!! Too bad that when we are hurt on the inside there aren’t alarms going off.  I guess tears do that.

Note: I’ve added or changed some words from my original 2011 writing of this entry in hopes of making it more understandable.