I listened to her address our little group, seeming hesitant, but determined at the same time. It was a hard topic, a hurtful situation that had many years under its belt, and it wasn’t really met with open hearts.

But she pressed on.

She explained how new information had come to light. There were things we didn’t know way back then, and conclusions were made with only half understandings of whole truths. And while the full story was not hers to tell, she asked us to consider stepping out in forgiveness.

She asked us to believe what she had learned as the truth, because we trusted her.

And with that sentence, an even brighter light exuded from her than usual. Her Jesus, the One reigning in her heart, burst forth in spectacular display, and it was beautiful.

That’s the name of His game, really. Sometimes we are privy to new information and we get to see the whole of a thing from both sides, understanding sweeping away the remains of old shadows and cobwebs that had obscured the truth. Forgiveness comes a little easier then, when it’s all clear. But there are other times when only Jesus knows the whole truth.

And He still nudges you toward forgiveness anyway, because you trust Him.

I’m thankful we have the capacity to forgive. Even without having all the information, we can do it because we trust the One who does. In doing so, we let fresh wind sweep out the old piles in the corners of our hearts, and let them fill with Light.

Breathtaking. Free.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 ESV

“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Colossians 3:13 ESV

“The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones.” Proverbs 15:30 ESV

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