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HONESTY
It takes courage to honestly look at our participation in a past
hurt, especially since we feel we were the victims. However, if
we take an open and honest look, we will find something no matter
how small. The size of our part is not the issue. Discovering that
we in some way participated in the hurt is what's important. Looking
at the part we played does not excuse the other person's behavior
or lessen in any way the magnitude of it. It merely opens our hearts
a little towards forgiveness as we realize we are human and not
perfect. Our part may only be that we didn't have the courage to
walk away from an abuser, or that we've let bitterness take root
in us because of the hurt. However small, looking at our part in
the hurt will help us heal.
I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given
me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you.
Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important
that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing
this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate
way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does
for us, not by what we are and what we do for him. - Romans 12:3
If we admit our sins - make a clean breast of them - He won't let
us down; He'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge
us of all wrongdoing. - 1 John 1:9
Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me. Cross-examine
and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about. See for yourself
whether I've done anything wrong - then guide me on the road to
eternal life.
**Taken From "Healing Past Emotional Hurts" - By Tammy
Sevison and Lon Garber. Copyright 1998 by Snowbabies, Inc. Unless
otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from "The Message."
Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing
Group. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy
Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189. All rights
reserved.
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