Trevor Cartwright
commented:
Rene, I know what you mean. I ask myself the same question all the time. I recall the Bible verse where Jesus' disciples ask Jesus how many times they need to forgive their brother. He says seventy times seven (He meant always forgive). I think that we get tripped up over associated questions like, "Am I supposed to be friends with the person I forgive?" or "are we supposed to hang out?" I do not believe that we need to be best friends with everyone. God created us with different personalities for a reason. Heck, even Jesus was closer with Peter, James, and John than the other nine. Don't get me wrong, I believe that we are called to respect and love each other. I just do not believe that we need to be BFFs with every person in our lives; it is impossible. Forgiveness simply means to not hold any bitterness towards one who offended you. For example, if you gossiped about me, then I would forgive you by not holding it against you. However, I would still be cautious about what information I give you. If a man burglarized your house and you forgave him, you would still be prudent and not let him house sit for you. My point is that the scope of forgiveness often gets expanded. We just need to drop anger and bitterness. Once we forgive someone, prudence should determine how we interact with him or her. What do you think?
Rene Hernandez
commented:
Trever, thank you so much for your input. I try very hard (as we all do)to keep bitterness and anger out of my heart. It feels ugly and weighs me down like an anchor. The thing that I struggle the most is these issues I have in my home. With other people I can forgive then move on, most of the time because I don't have to see them everyday, or have them over for dinner. But when the person who is breaking my heart over and over is my partner, its much more difficult. Without getting too personal, that is what I am struggling horribly with right now. Having to see him everyday, carry on in a civil manner because there are children involved is getting more difficult by the day. I do have resentment, its taken many, many years for it to build up, but its there now. I can't seem to stop it anymore.
Trevor Cartwright
commented:
Rene, I am sincerely sorry to hear that you have to endure that. Man, I cannot imagine having to cope with a terrible situation like that. I will pray for you and your family. I surmised that you are a Christian after I read your previous blogs. Is that true? If so, have you considered receiving counsel from your pastor or priest?
Rene Hernandez
commented:
Hi Trevor, yes I am a Christian...as a practicing Catholic I recently went to confession. I felt like a ton of bricks was lifted off my shoulders. I talk regularly to a group of fellow Christians who have been my biggest supporters. I have many issues I deal with at home and health wise also. I've just been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder which explain many of my blog posts. Its been a very rough 22 years for me, some days I feel hopeful and ready to take on the world, and other days I cant get off the couch. Its rough, thank you for your kind words...its always nice to hear from a fellow Christian, you bring me hope and support, thank you.
Trevor Cartwright
commented:
Rene, I wish you the best. I am glad to hear that confession went well. I pray that God can restore your life and that you are headed towards bright horizons. I will keep you in prayer. We Christians need to watch out for each other.
Rene Hernandez
commented:
TREVOR, THANK YOU SO MUCH I APPRECIATE YOUR PRAYERS. YES YOU ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, WE CHRISTIANS DO NEED TO STICK TOGETHER & SUPPORT EACH OTHER, THAT'S WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT:)) THANKS AGAIN