Forgive as You Have Been Forgiven

This past week I was on the receiving end of an apology and I couldn't have been more surprised.  Here's a bit of background for you all: A few years ago my husband and I left a community group we'd been a part of for nearly seven years to join a different group at church.  We'd been upset about some things that were going on, and decided it was time to step away.

In hindsight, it was pretty foolish of me to think that our friendships would remain the same, but I was saddened to be suddenly left out of events I'd been previously a part of after we left the group. I spoke with a number of the girls about why we left, my concerns, and how I still cared about them, but the friendships just slipped away. Time passed, we made new wonderful friends, and as a final way of healing I "unfriended" a girl in my old group of friends on Facebook.  She constantly posted pictures of herself and my old friends doing fun things together. It made me sad to see it, but at the same time I was ready to move on.

Ephasions 4:32 say "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." I was at peace with the past staying there, and I felt like I needed to forgive past hurts without any acknowledgment on their end. Sometimes, that's just the best way to heal.

Fast forward to four or so months later. I got a message on Facebook from the girl I'd unfriended four months before.  She'd realized what I'd done and wanted to know why I'd done it. Yes, she did. She assumed I was jealous of her life, etc. It was pretty ugly. I told her I wished her the best in life, and left it at that.

Then about a week ago I ran into her in church and smiled, then continued with my conversation.  Shortly afterward I got a text from her apologizing. I was floored. Of course I forgave her and we shared a few friendly texts back and forth. For her to apologize was huge and I really respect her for that. I don't expect we'll be friends again, and that's ok, but the last thing God wants is for his children to be fighting and holding onto past hurts. We fail him each day and He is always quick to forgive. How much more then should we forgive?  

I share this today because maybe you are or were like me, holding onto past hurt, or maybe you're the one who needs to do the apologizing. Both sides of the coin cause so much pain, but asking for forgiveness and choosing to forgive are so freeing. They allow us to grow, and to move on.

Confession, I bought this dress on a whim. I saw it on Ashley of Twenties Girls Style on Instagram. I "liked" the picture, then got got "Like it to Know it" email with the link to the dress. I thought for sure it was really expensive, only to find it was out it was $23 with free shipping. Sold.  I hadn't ordered from Oasap before, but have heard you should size up. I seriously adore it, my one complaint is that one of the seams on the side doesn't match up the print exactly...which is kind annoying, but you know me, I always layer, so it will remain hidden. Of all the necklaces I own, this one is continually my go to. I love it with this dress here today too.

Jacket:  Gap similar via thredUP (use this thredUP link to get $10 off your first order)

Dress: Oasap same

Necklace: Mariposa Medley c/o same

Watch: Wristology same c/o Get 25% off

Shoes: Aerosoles similar

Linking up with:

What I Wore Wednesday

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