When Forgiveness Is Rejected
Normally seeking forgiveness brings restoration but what if in pride the person you forgave is offended? What do you do? Because reconciliation requires two people and forgiveness only one, you can still forgive the person in your heart and treat them as forgiven but you can’t restore the relationship. Don’t argue over whether forgiveness was necessary. Release your resentment for the offense and love them. Who knows? Eventually, responding with a merciful heart might soften their pride.
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About the Guest
Ron Deal
Ron Deal is Director of FamilyLife Blended®️ for FamilyLife®️ and President of Smart Stepfamilies™️. He is a family ministry consultant and conducts marriage and family seminars around the country; he specializes in marriage education and stepfamily enrichment. He is one of the most widely read authors on stepfamily living in the country.
About the Host
Ron Deal
Ron Deal is Director of FamilyLife Blended®️ for FamilyLife®️ and President of Smart Stepfamilies™️. He is a family ministry consultant and conducts marriage and family seminars around the country; he specializes in marriage education and stepfamily enrichment. He is one of the most widely read authors on stepfamily living in the country.
Episode Transcript
Ron: Have you ever had someone get mad at you…because you forgave them?
Announcer: For FamilyLife Blended®, here’s Ron Deal.
Ron: I know it sounds strange, huh. Normally forgiveness brings restoration. But what if in pride they didn’t feel like they hurt you or owed you anything? They might actually be offended that you forgave them. What do you do?
Well, because reconciliation requires two people and forgiveness only one, you can still forgive the person in your heart and treat them as forgiven—you just can’t restore the relationship. Don’t argue over whether forgiveness was necessary. Release your resentment for the offense and love them as best you can. Who knows? Eventually, responding with a merciful heart just might soften their pride. For FamilyLife Blended I’m Ron Deal.
Announcer: To find out more visit familylifeblended.com.
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