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Read along as Jennifer Haeg shares how God used our retreat speaker, Bonnie Floyd, to soften her heart regarding unforgiveness.
There are SO many things that hit me this weekend, but forgiveness is what stood out when I prayed about what to write. When asked if I wanted to write about my experience at the women's retreat, I immediately thought, "Yes!". It was such a fabulous weekend that I couldn't help but want to tell people about it!
Let me start by saying that I went into the weekend not sure of how I needed to grow exactly. Sure, there are things I should work on, but none of them seemed like major things. Well, it did not take long for God to humble me and to realize just how much growing I had to do! (Don't ever tell God you don't think you have much growing to do...).
After hearing Bonnie's testimony Friday evening, I was reminded of something that God really hit me with at last year's retreat - forgiveness. If Bonnie can forgive her parents' murderers, can I not forgive the one person I still hold so much bitterness toward? He reminded me of this hostile, unforgiving part of my heart again. I had been trying to forget about it but this time, He showed me just exactly what He can do when we choose to let go of that resentment. He changes lives. So not only did Bonnie forgive, she was able to share Jesus with the very people who murdered her parents!
All I want is for this person that I have yet to forgive is to find Jesus and turn her life around. I keep waiting for her "come to Jesus" moment to forgive her. But, maybe the problem is that I have it backwards. Maybe I need to forgive her, and even help her (gasp!) before she can have that breakthrough.
I have been waiting until she changed for me to forgive her. But that isn't what He wants from me. He doesn't wait for me to change to forgive me. He first forgives. Then through His grace and mercy and unconditional forgiveness He changes me.
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Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate with each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32
Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your heart with us! What did God show you at the retreat? Did you go home a new creation or a recommitted child of God?Have you incorporated some of Bonnie's suggestions in hopes of a more intimate relationship with our Lord?
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