The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
Sometimes, the most godly thing you can do after forgiving someone is to leave the relationship….to no longer allow that person to be in your life or let them influence or impact you.
You do know that this is biblical, right? Jesus left people. The rich young ruler came to Him. Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell everything he had and give it to the poor. The rich young ruler couldn't do it. So Jesus said He looked at him and loved him and let him go on his way.
As a result, it's not unbiblical for you to let relationships sail off into the sunset. Remember what many of us were told growing up by a pastor, a teacher or a parent, “You show me your 5 closest friends, I'll show you your future”. It’s true!
The Bible says “Bad company ruins good morals.” I Corinthians 15:33
Think about it….If a rattlesnake keeps biting me, I don't need to keep forgiving the rattlesnake and then kicking it in this cage. No! I leave the rattlesnake. You hear what I'm saying? Forgiveness doesn't mean relationship or close friendship. Forgiveness is saying I'm relinquishing my right to take vengeance against you and turning you over to the Lord who says vengeance is mine. You are relinquishing the weight off of your shoulders and you're giving them to Jesus. You're saying they're toxic for me. I released them of the debt. I release them of the weight. You are not this just for them, but for yourself because the weight of unforgiveness is too much for a soul to bear.
Remember, you are not called to forgive and then hang out with that person continually over and over again. In fact, the Bible advises against it. Proverbs 13:20 says, "He that walks with wise men will be wise, but a companion of fools will be destroyed."
My friend, when you make the choice to forgive and release, you will notice a difference. You will start walking with people that point you to the Kingdom of God and you can breathe again. It's freedom!
Many blessings!
THE VIEWS OF SUBMITTED EDITORIALS MAY NOT BE THE EXPRESS VIEWS OF THE ALABAMA GAZETTE.
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