I think you are entirely right - forgiveness is a key to healing. I’ve heard it said that choosing not to forgive is like punishing yourself instead of the person who wronged you. I also know sometimes it takes time. I had a terrible wrong done to me and it took years before the feelings went away - even though I forgave.
ampu
Gentlemen: Man, do not stop now. This is the closest thing to brotherhood I have seen lately. Now, if we can get the others to garner this Spirit, we may be able to cut through all the silliness.
I applaud you both.
Here’s what I think: Heavenly Father acts in our best interests in His own time. I was not in a position to forgive my father until I truly became a father and understood what he lost when he lost his sons to his alcoholism. The Lord knew I didn’t have the capacity when I was younger, but when I finally grew the capacity, He filled me with the gift of understanding and healing that enabled me to truly forgive him.
Believe me, it was a long time coming and from my persepective, not a minute too soon, but in God’s perspective, right on time. It was the best gift I have ever been given.
Right now, He is teaching me more about marriage than I ever understood. Instead of thinking of a marriage as just a contract between two people, I am getting my head around the idea that marriage is two people individually making covenants with The Lord and that the most important part of marriage is keeping our covenants with The Lord. What a concept!