Christ Centered Forgiveness

The deeper I go into the subject of forgiveness the more I am beginning to realize I not only need to forgive others but ask others to forgive me. When we hurt or wound people with our words or actions, it can be difficult to admit that we are responsible for those wounds. I am finding that I need to work on apologizing for my behavior. I get so caught up in myself that I miss what the other person might be feeling. Sometimes, maybe even often, it is hard to express love to someone that has hurt us, or even to someone we may have hurt. Christ centered love and forgiveness is the key. I believe God had a very awesome message for me. Last week I was asked if I would like to watch a video on the subject of forgiveness. Even prior to agreeing to watch that video I felt led to buy a book. Turns out both the video and the book was the work of Dr. David Stoop, PH.D. When I received the book and started reading it, I found that it was on the same message he offered in the video. In the book by Dr. David Stoop, "Forgiving the Unforgivable", he brings home a very important fact. Forgiveness that is anything other than Christ centered is not an option. It can be difficult to face the reality and the responsibility when we offend someone. As I was learning about how to forgive those that have hurt me, I became very aware of the fact I need to learn to ask others for their forgiveness. Desmond Tutu said, "Without forgiveness, there is no future." I have challenged myself to work on being more aware of my choices and how they effect others. When I become aware that I have offended someone I need to apologize and tell them how sorry I am that my words caused them pain.