Forgiving Empowers the Forgiver

Forgiving Empowers the Forgiver

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” - Lewis B. Smedes

Back when I was in middle school one of my classmates called me the “n” word, completely unprovoked. It wasn’t a convenient time to take revenge. So I kept walking. 

I later retaliated in a way that made my hands appear clean. I came across his notebook and put it in the trash. Keeping the notebook was the only requirement of passing the class we were in. 

A little time later, as a student assistant, I was filing papers in the office and came across his file. The kid had a lot of issues. I was sorry I had done anything to hurt him. 

He was the one who was going to have a hard time in life, not me. In that moment I forgave him and felt the peace, power, and wellbeing that comes from forgiving. 

I now understand why Jesus forgave the people who tortured and executed him while they were still doing it. He was not the victim. He was the victor. He had all the power and all the peace. 

Forgiving others empowers the forgiver. 

I’m Horace McMillon. This is 60 Seconds of Hope. Peace be with you. 

#60secondsofhope