The Door of Forgiveness

Entering His Presence through Forgiveness

By: Susan Deborah Schiller

My whole being, as a temple of the Holy Spirit, has doors. Scripture says we enter His presence with thanksgiving and praise, but Jesus also says that before we come to praise Him we must first let go of all the unclean thoughts we have about ourselves and others. He goes so far as to say, "Go home, get right with your brother or sister, and then come back and worship."

There was a "Dung Gate" in the ancient temple Solomon built. I wonder if that doorway, in the temple of my own mind, body, and spirit is "forgiveness". There are some people in my life today that it would be better if a millstone were tied around their neck and they be thrown into the sea.

Do I forgive that monster? Some people have so given themselves over to sin that they've lost their humanity, at least to some degree. They have become monsters. Must I forgive even them?

Jesus did, but he also called them what they really were: whitewashed tombs, brood of vipers, and thieves. They hold in their hands our stolen destinies, aborted dreams, and seem to get away with our doom.

Forgive them, Master?

"And so shall I forgive you," He says, in reply.

In all my wanderings in the desert, I have learned that we all have an evil side, even those of us who choose to do good.

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!" – Matthew 7:11

If my brother is held hostage to evil, will my forgiveness in some way set him free? Or will it only set me free? Only God knows the full extent of forgiveness, but I believe it keeps the door of my heart open and dung-free so that God's Holy Spirit may abide in peace.

And so I forgive the ones who are held hostage to evil, but I will not simply forgive and forget. No, to do so is to be an accomplice to evil! I will not remain silent. I will continue to expose by telling my story and working for justice for the victims of sociopathic abuse.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me….

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This is post is part of "Five Minute Friday" where we get five minutes to write on a one-word topic. Today's word is "DOOR" and if you choose to join us, it's pretty simple. Don't worry about editing or rewriting, just let the words flow for five minutes. And then stop and share with others! Follow the link below if you'd like to give it a whirl…

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With all my love,

Sue

Susan Schiller knows how it feels to lose everything: marriage and family, church and reputation, finances and businesses, and more. Susan's upcoming, interactive memoir, "On the Way Home," tells the story of how she came to be known as "the most abused woman" her counselors had yet met and how she learned to navigate to freedom and fullness.

Today Susan helps people write their life stories, unearthing the treasures of their past and sowing them into their future, creating new family legacies.

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Gabriele May 1, 2015 at 8:02 am

The picture you chose is glorious. And your message is timely and in need of being recieved by me, at least. I have some forgiving to do. Thank-you for your words this morning.

Susan Schiller May 1, 2015 at 8:06 am: Thanks for visiting, Gabriele – I hope your weekend is full of joy and amazing surprises!

The Door of Forgiveness

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