Living Lessons on ForgivenessSample

As we consider the facets of granting forgiveness, we might discover that we need to forgive ourselves or even God. We can be very angry at God when we begin to really look at and deal with how much we were hurt growing up and/or how neglected we were emotionally. It’s common to blame God and be angry at Him for losses such as divorce or the death of a loved one. Of course, God does not need or require any forgiveness from us. However, sometimes after difficult situations have happened, we find that we are angry at Him and need to forgive Him. As this verse says, God can handle us being angry at Him and regardless of what we were taught about Him growing up, He’s not waiting to throw a bolt of lightning at our heads. I learned that God could handle my anger when our family was living by faith financially. We had to drive old vans and cars for which we could pay cash, and I cannot tell you how many times our vehicles broke down on an interstate or at home. One friend said he was tired of picking us up around town. After years of broken-down cars and in the midst of another, I was kneeling by my bed screaming at God. “I hate you! No wonder you have no friends. Look how you treat the ones who love You the most!!” I pounded my fists on the mattress in frustration, waiting on the lightening to come down from the sky. That day was a breakthrough in intimacy for me. Not only did I not get struck by lightning, I found closeness to God that was new and wonderful. He loved me just the same when I was angry and frustrated with Him—total honesty did not faze Him at all. I would never walk on eggshells with Him again. Freedom flooded my soul. Application: Have you ever admitted to yourself or someone else that you were angry at God? It’s okay; He can handle it. Tell Him exactly how you feel—exactly. He loves honesty and loves you deeply.