The deeper the hurt or betrayal, the harder it is to forgive. There was a time when I viewed forgiveness as a self-sacrificing act of obedience. I’ve since realized, however, the enslaving power of nursed grudges and the incredible healing and joy that comes when we relinquish an offense.
My guest today, Tamera Kraft, shares her thoughts regarding a time when someone she cared about hurt her deeply and how God not only met her in that place but helped her move forward in freedom.
Freedom Through Forgiveness
By Tamera Kraft
A close friend decided to ghost me. She stopped being my friend, ignored me, and wouldn’t say why. Once in the grocery store, she saw me and darted to the next aisle to avoid saying hi. Then she started telling lies about me. Though I knew God commanded me to forgive, doing so didn’t feel fair.
My unforgiveness put me in a prison. I stayed awake at night worrying about what she’d done. Every time I went to church, I wondered what she’d said about me and to whom. Who believed her lies? Worse yet, my harbored offense affected my worship and devotional time. It felt as if a wall separated me from God’s presence.
Then I remembered all the times I’ve sinned against God and others, including when I wasn’t remorseful. Jesus forgave me of so much—every evil thought, wayward action, and rebellion I’ve done since my birth. That’s a lot, and He longs for me to reveal His love and grace in how I respond to others.
Forgiveness comes more easily when I consider Christ’s forgiveness, grace, and mercy toward me. 
How could I hold back forgiveness from this woman? I may not be able to trust her again, but I could decide to forgive her. I could the hurt from affecting my life and relationship with God and others. And I could pray for her. I don’t know why she did what she did, but she has to be carrying pain from the past to do this to someone she cared for.
We all need God’s mercy and grace.
I asked for God’s help and chose to forgive my ex-friend. Though the relationship didn’t heal, God healed my hurt from the broken friendship. Trusting my friends not to do this to me again took a little, but God taught me how to open myself again to share love and receive love.
When have you found it difficult to forgive?
How did choosing to forgive help your relationship with God?
Get to know Tamera Lynn Kraft:
Award Winning Author Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures and writes Christian historical fiction set in 
America because there are so many adventures in American history. She is married to the love of her life, has two grown children, and lives in Akron, Ohio.
Tamera is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire For Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist. She has curriculum published and is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry. Visit her online HERE.
Check out her latest release:
Lost in the Storm: Ladies of Oberlin Book 2
Will war bring them love or will they be Lost in the Storm?
Lavena, a journalist during the Civil War, wants to become a war correspondent. She finally gets her chance, but there’s a catch. She has to get an interview from a war hero who has refused to tell his story to every other journalist, and she has to accomplish this impossible task in a month or she’ll lose her job.
Captain Cage, the war hero, has a secret that will destroy his military career and reputation. Now, a new journalist is trying to get him to tell what he’s been hiding. He wants to ignore her, but from the moment she came into camp, he can’t get her out of his mind.
Leading up to the turbulent Battles for the city of Chattanooga, will Lavena and Cage find the courage to love and forgive, or will they be swept away by their past mistakes that don’t want to stay buried?
Meet the Ladies of Oberlin, the causes they’re willing to fight for, and the men who capture their hearts.
Buy it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Before you go, if you haven’t already snatched a preorder copy, make sure to check out Jennifer’s upcoming release, Hometown Healing!
She’s home again, but not for long…
Unless this cowboy recaptures her heart
Returning home with a baby in tow, Paige Cordell’s determined her stay is only temporary. But to earn enough money to leave, she needs a job—and her only option is working at her first love’s dinner theater. With attraction once again unfurling between her and Jed Gilbertson, can the man who once broke her heart convince her to stay for good?
If you read Restoring Her Faith, I’d love to hear what you loved most about Sage Creek, Texas. Have you grown to love that sweet little hill country town as much as I have?