FORGIVENESS DOES NOT EQUAL TRUST | Forgiveness has nothing to do with what a person deserves. Which is what grace, mercy, and forgiveness are all about. None of us deserve these things. Trust, on the other hand, has a great deal to do with what a person deserves (e.g., “worthy” of trust). Perhaps that is why we have the word “trustworthy,” but there is no such word as “forgiveworthy.” --from Mark's new book on Forgiveness & Trust (coming soon!) Continue Reading
15 Fundamental Factors For Fulfilling Forgiveness
EXCERPT FROM MARK'S NEW BOOK ON FORGIVENESS | We all have been and will be sinned against and hurt by others. This, in turn, will damage our relationships. Therefore, being able to realize true, full forgiveness is one of the most important things in life, not to mention relationships. However, when it comes to forgiving one another, some people seem to succeed more, or struggle more, than others. Why is that? There are several pivotal elements which potentially hinder our forgiveness—or Continue Reading
Reconciliation
8 Types of Reconciliation We often think in “binary” terms when it comes to reconciliation—that a relationship is either reconciled - or not. While it isn’t wrong to think that way at times, it is also important to understand that any reconciliation attempt can have many potential destinations. Just as an unclear or confusing dating relationship might need a “DTR” (Define The Relationship) talk, there can also be great benefit from a thorough and accurate definition and understanding of the Continue Reading
13 Marks of Manipulators and Abusers
13 MARKS OF MANIPULATORS & ABUSERS When it comes to relationships, there is an extremely common misconception that forgiveness equals trust. Or, that once forgiveness is offered, the relationship in question is now reconciled. But in reality (and according to Scripture), these concepts are very different and distinct. In other words, forgiving someone does not mean that one is required to (or even should) “trust” the offender or consider the relationship reconciled on the basis Continue Reading