A Leap in the Dark

One of the most difficult features for making forgiveness a reality is seeing meaning and purpose in the suffering that was experienced. This insight creates a pathway for moving forward to discover and accept how others also suffered. Isaiah 53:3 describes Jesus as being “despised and rejected, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.”

It’s critically important to understand that forgiveness serves as a  bridge to healing the wounds that caused so much suffering. Transforming a desire to forgive into reality takes courage and faith. Henry David Thoreau said, "We walk consciously part way toward our goal, and then it may take a leap in the dark to secure our objective."

 

There's a timeframe when we're suspended in darkness waiting to see if forgiveness is accepted, yet it’s imperative to take the initiative to seek forgiveness regardless of the cost. The Apostle Paul states emphatically, "I want to know Christ and the fellowship of sharing his suffering."  Forgiveness is the pathway to freedom and joy. 

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When people sin, you should forgive and comfort them, so they won’t give up in despair. You should make them sure of your love for them.

~2 Corinthians 2:7-8 Contemporary English Version

For he has rescued us out of the darkness and gloom of Satan’s kingdom and brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who bought our freedom with his blood and forgave us all our sins.

~Colossians 1:13-14 The Living Bible