Forgiveness. This one word brings both peace and anger depending on which side of the fence you are standing. For some, it is soothing oil that soaks in and brings healing to the dry and weary crevices of their heart and for others it is like a bitter drink in the pit of a scorching dessert. But no matter which side one stands, it is a necessity. If left alone, bitterness will take hold and nothing beautiful has ever grown from the depths of that tangled root. No one pretends it is easy. For it is not. It is particularly hard when it looks like the one who brought the offense is getting away with their evil deeds. Rest assured…they will reap what they sow. Galatians 6:7-8 says “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let that bring comfort. God sees all that is hidden and He will one day expose what lies in darkness and usher it into the light. Don’t long for that day. Rather long to truly forgive before that day comes so that when it does, you are there with arms open wide to unconditionally love that person as Christ loved you when you did not deserve it. Always keep in mind that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 Forgiveness does not make what they did okay nor does it let anyone off the hook. God doesn’t ask this of us as a theory He thought might be useful one day. Instead, He lived it before us. “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” God help us to forgive in the same manner in which You have forgiven us!