Wanted to post this about 2 weeks ago but dint have connection in the train, then later forgot..
I'm on day 18 of The Purpose Driven Life and one thought stuck me - that many (myself included) forget or don't understand that there's a distinction between forgiveness and trust. Often when people say that don't or cannot forgive they really mean they cannot forget the infringement occurred or trust that person.
We are not required to forget or trust but we are required to forgive. Forgiving is letting go of the pain and anger of the past. Trust relates to future behaviour.
Rick Warren:
"Many people are reluctant to show mercy because they don’t understand the difference between trust and forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting go of the past. Trust has to do with future behavior.
Forgiveness must be immediate, whether or not a person asks for it. Trust must be rebuilt over time. Trust requires a track record. If someone hurts you repeatedly, you are commanded by God to forgive them instantly, but you are not expected to trust them immediately, and you are not expected to continue allowing them to hurt you. They must prove they have changed over time. The best place to restore trust is within the supportive context of a small group that offers both encouragement and accountability."
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Location:Forgiveness & trust
