Forgiveness and Unity

A year ago she could hardly look at me.

I did something stupid and hurt her. . .deeply. The pain lingered in her eyes for months. It nearly did me in.

But thankfully, God ordained a little something called unity. My friend and I, despite our differences, serve and love the same God and because of it, we were compelled to obey Him. It was no easy task. For a long time the sight of me seemed to rip her wound open again, but she pushed through, was pleasant and engaged in conversation with me anyway. Though sometimes it felt like I didn't have it in me, I forced myself to approach her, ignoring the pit in my stomach and lump in my throat as I saw what my presence did to her. All this effort despite our feelings, all for the love of God. It would have been much easier to avoid each other, but neither of us could ignore God's gentle words.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)

I wish I could say the year has flown by, but honestly it hasn't. It's been tough and confusing and full of tears, no doubt for both of us, but things are better, much better. Though at first we were only going through the motions because it was right, our injured hearts have come along and now seem to be mending. My friend no longer cringes inside when she sees me. We are talking more easily and she seems genuinely interested in what's going on in my life. She has given me an incredible gift, setting aside her pain to show me true forgiveness and mercy. We have experienced the miraculous healing that could only come from God.

I've learned SOOO many things, not the least of which is this: Obeying God's word, even in the hardest of situations brings about His perfect plan. Being obedient to His command to unity was the only thing that salvaged our relationship. Had we not followed God's Word, I doubt we would be where we are today. Our friendship would have ceased entirely.

I am thankful for my friend who gutted it out no matter how difficult it was for her personally. She gives me overwhelming evidence there is a God. How else could we have resolved this peacefully?


Visit Iris at Sting My Heart for more Thankful Thursday posts.