Meditation Monday - Krysten M. on Forgiveness

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 (NIV)

Forgiveness is probably one of my biggest struggles. Particularly in forgiving an ex-boyfriend for some really hurtful things done to me, as I’m sure many of you have experienced. Although it’s nearing a year since the break up and I’ve since found a wonderfully supportive Christian guy since, I still struggled with letting go of my past so I could fully enjoy the present and my future. When thoughts of him entered my mind or his name was spoken, I couldn’t help but retract into a shell and relive the pain I associated with him.

Thankfully, a Sunday morning NLCF service on forgiveness, which included this verse from Matthew, spoke directly into my heart and it couldn’t have come at a better time. I was reminded once again of how God’s timing is always perfect. It helped me to realize that I was willingly holding myself back from seeking a pure heart after Christ’s love. I began praying for him and God moved me to reach out to him. I simply told him that I forgave him, I wished him the best and that was it. But just like that, I felt as though a weight had been lifted. Since then, I haven’t felt those feelings of resentment or anger and I have taken leaps and bounds to move on.

Since overcoming this issue of forgiveness, I’ve been reminded in every situation, great or small, of how essential forgiveness is. Christ gave us the ultimate forgiveness. He died for sins he never committed and showed the ultimate act of love. If Jesus could give so much to wash away my sins, how could I possibly not forgive? If you’re reluctant to forgive someone for a sin against you, I encourage you to remember this and to let him or her know they are forgiven. Giving forgiveness is just as important as receiving it. We have been forgiven, so it is our duty to forgive.

Friendly Friday!

Introducing, the lovely KATY MARTIN!

Name: Katy Martin

Major: Graphic Design

Childhood Music: When I was in the 4th/5th grade I went through a Beatles phase. But BSB was a close second :)

Favorite thing about NRV: I grew up with mountains around me, it was never a strange sight to see them. But something about Bburg that magnifies it beauty for me. I think it's mostly the culture that comes with living IN the mountains. Hiking, snow, leaves, food, it's all good, and it's all beautiful!

If I could do anything: Epic photo excursion. Start in Europe and move my way around the Eastern hemisphere. Probably my own version of Eat. Pray. Love, haha :)

Rest and relax:
Version one - coffee shop it up! Pick up a friend and head to Bollo's or Sbux for some delicious caffeine
or
Version two - become a temporary couch potato and watch a movie, or two.

Books: I recently book swapped Captivating for Wild at Heart. I haven't really been able to dive into it yet, but I'm interested to get a glimpse at God's design of the male heart.

Favorite place to eat lunch: Gillies makes a fantastic grill cheese + chips and salsa, but I'd have to say ABP's 12 veggie soup has my heart from the hours of 11am-12pm.

God encouraged: Wow. I cannot explain the encouragement I have seen through all the single ladies at BCM. (Disclaimer: I love my girls in relationships, but my heart can relate to the single ladies in this season)
I've seen and had so many conversations with different gals about our season of singleness. It's awesome to see this movement of ladies utilizing this season to encourage each other and remind each other of the greatest love story that we're already in with Jesus.