Forgive and Forget

Today I got a lesson on how to forgive and forget. Someone one offended me. Really bad. It probably wouldn't have hurt so bad it I wasn't already in a place of vulnerability. We have heard the expression don't kick someone when they are already down. The word offend is defined as to affect (the senses), to violate, to hurt or cause pain to. Then I decided to see what the bible had to say about offenses.
Matt. 18:7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offenses!
Luke 17:1 Then He said to the disciples, "It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!
From these two scriptures we can see that Christ has more to say to the offender than to the offended. It is not our concern but we can trust that God will deal with the heartless and hurtful actions of the ones that inflict emotional pain on us. We have to forgive in the middle of our minds screaming how unfair the offense is, our emotions crying over the pain and hurt , and our wills are warring for retaliation. Even when are so hurt you can't even think straight still tell God that in the Name of Jesus you forgive the offense and the offender. A lot of times that is not enough to stop the soulish tantrum you are going through but it where you must start. We have to take in account the times we offended God and other people as well. Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses. We must remember that one time we were slaves to our sin and separated from God and through Christ were reconciled to God. Even as believers we all still sinned and fell short of the glory. Proverbs 24:16a The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. We are free to go to God again and again through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus and receive forgiveness. So once we forgive how do we then forget? Other than losing our memory there is not a natural way forget the offense. The fact remains that what was done to us has happened. We forget with the supernatural. Forgetting happens with healing. First we are healed by the blood of Jesus. Isa. 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. In the same way we are healed from heart disease we are healed from heartaches. Take the offense and put it under the blood of Jesus. Another way we forget is with His word. Psalm 107:20a He sent forth his word and healed them. It is faith in His blood and His word that heals us. Time and time again we read in the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John Jesus saying to the people it was their faith that healed them. There is no offense greater than the love, grace, and goodness of God. Choose to forgive and be healed today!! Be Blessed Manie