Forgiveness—is a bridge to love. As we forgive—our focus is shifted. Our focus isn’t on what they’ve done to us—it becomes what the Lord has done for us. Forgiveness is an act of humility and it’s essential to love.

We don’t love someone because they deserve it. We love because we don’t deserve it.

We love Christ—because He first loved us. His love went to the cross for us—to give us life. To give us hope. He did it: not because we were pure—but because He is pure.

In bitterness—I had sinned greatly against the Lord—the lover of my soul. What I did was inexcusable. And here I was—shut-in. But even as a shut-in—He didn’t shut me out. He kept me. He covered me in His grace and mercy.

I experienced: the faithfulness, the purity of my God. I experienced His gentle character: gentle like no other. I experienced His comfort: comfort like no other. He cared for me—and cares for me—like no other. He loves—like no other. His love sees us through to make us better—like no other. I was living in the reality of being His loved one.

I know the soothing, secure touch of His hand. Hand in hand, "I take comfort—knowing—that the LORD is not just God. He is my God—whose care, compassion, mercy, grace, justice and kindness overflow. He is my God—over all efforts, over all striving. He is my God—the God of glory.”–Hand In Hand

He knew what I did—and yet He cared for me greatly: He made my concerns—His concerns. He knew what I did—and He picked me up to strengthen me. He knew what I did—and yet He showed me His kindness and tended gently to my wounds. He knew what I did—but He also knew who I could be. He knew who He called me to be.

And His love would see to it: that I would eventually see it. I would come to see the caterpillar miraculously—fly. I would see a new reflection. With a new reflection–I would fly in my divine purpose.

His love and grace saw me through the wilderness.

Knowing His love, I remember to love. Hand in hand, "His embrace captures me—to bloom. His love fills me—I bloom: filling the air, blooming. His presence makes room to love: remembering—if not for Him—I’d be a thorn.”–Hand In Hand

Love is an action word. With bitterness behind me—the demonstration of love—was no longer hindered. I was able to pray for my offender. Forgiveness—opens the heart to prayer.