SOUL RESET: Forgive Without Compromising Your Peaceਨਮੂਨਾ

We've covered a lot of ground in this plan!

We've learned that forgiveness involves me, reconciliation involves us, and trust takes time. Today, I want to help you take practical steps toward healing and freedom.

One of the most beautiful moments in Jacob and Esau's story comes at the very end: "And Jacob came to his father Isaac at Mamre...and Isaac breathed his last and died...and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him."

These brothers, who once couldn't be in the same room without threats of violence, came together to honor their father. This moment didn't happen by accident. It happened because both brothers had done the hard work of change for many years.

How do you know if someone has changed enough to trust them again? Here are some key indicators I've learned to watch for:

• They acknowledge specific ways they caused harm
• They accept responsibility without blaming others
• They respect your boundaries without manipulation
• They show consistent change over time

But what if the other person hasn't changed? What if reconciliation isn't possible right now? Remember this truth: You can be free even if they never change. Your freedom through forgiveness isn't dependent on their transformation.

Some of you reading this plan have been deeply wounded. Maybe you've experienced betrayal, abuse, abandonment, or devastating loss. I want you to know that your hurt matters to God. He sees your pain, and He longs to heal your heart.

Here's my final encouragement: Focus on what you can control. You can't control whether someone else changes. You can't control whether reconciliation becomes possible. But you can control whether you choose forgiveness. You can control whether you give the trust the time it needs to grow. You can control whether you set healthy boundaries.

I love what Paul wrote at the beginning of 1 Corinthians 4. Paul knows that he will stand before God one day and face judgment. He also learned first-hand from his experience with John Mark that trust is lost quickly and restored slowly. He encouraged the Corinthian believers not to pass judgment based on what they saw in a moment. He urged them to trust God as they stepped into the future.

The journey of forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust isn't easy. It often involves two steps forward and one step back. But freedom is possible! I know because I've experienced it and walked alongside countless others who have found it, too.

I prayed for you before I published this plan. Thanks for letting me encourage you; it’s been my honor and pleasure.

If you need more help discerning your next steps regarding forgiveness and reconciliation, I'd love to continue encouraging you. I created a unique guide, Ready for Reconciliation and Trust? 11 Questions to Help You Decide. I’m offering complimentary access to this resource to help you evaluate whether someone is ready for restored trust and relationship.