Like overcoming any addiction – alcoholism, smoking, drugs, or whatever – forgiveness is rarely an instantaneous victory. The gnawing ache returns. Especially in the initial stages, forgiving someone is often like dressing in freshly laundered clothes. Just hours later, the clothes begin to soil and before long they need washing again. But people don’t let this fact of life so discourage them that they languish in filthy clothes for the rest of their lives. They simply wash as often as needed and get on with life; fresh and clean and unashamed. Likewise, when negative feelings begin to surface, an abuse survivor just comes again to Jesus and lets him wash away those defiling thoughts.

Whoever persistently looks to Jesus and keeps trying, wins. They break through to peace and healing and carry with them for the rest of their lives spiritual strength and Christlikeness far beyond anything they would have ever known had they had an easier life.

Taken from If anyone has reason to hate God, it’s Sue

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