From Fooled to Forgiving.

Have you ever had someone tell you they love you and then either hurt you or disappear? We all have. Whether it be an ex-boy/girlfriend, someone who was supposed to be your friend,or even your own mother or father. We have all experienced this and we always will.

Betrayal, Deceit, Abandonment, Mislead, Double-crossed, and the list goes on.

When we see these words and think about a person(s) who has done this to you, you may feel hurt, angry, pained, or even vengeful. 

Personally, I have been told the words "I love you," by many many people. But, some of them were watered down versions of "love." Like when your boyfriend tells you he loves you and can walk away so easily. They may have cared for you, but they did not "love" you. Not in the real version of love anyway.

Today, love is presented as a physical attraction towards someone or even used because they feel like that is what you are "supposed to say" to a friend, a boyfriend/girlfriend, or maybe even a family member.

I believe the word "love" is thrown around and used in the wrong way and context. 

Once upon a time (cheesy I know) I had someone who called me their friend. They would tell me that they loved me and would do anything for me and that they will always cherish our "friendship." That person is gone. Not only did they walk away, they walked away with vengeance.

Where did that leave me? Broken, hurt, misunderstanding, confused.....fooled. 

I was fooled into believing that this person actually cared for me, that they loved me. 

So, here is my message today:

"People will show you a watered down version of "love." They will throw the word around like it is just a word that does not have a strong meaning. People will hurt you. So, what do we do about it? There are only two things we can do when we have been betrayed, etc. There is no in-between."

1.You can become bitter. Angry, hurt, or resentful because of one's bad experiences or a sense of unjust treatment. If you choose this, it will only hurt you more and lead you to becoming the type of person who hurt you. 

2. You can forgive. Forgiveness is not easy but it is necessary. If you are hurt by someone, pray for them and pray for yourself. That their hearts be softened and that yours does not become full of hate or vengeance towards this person. If you choose to forgive, only then can you move on from the situation and learn to LOVE others, including the ones who have hurt you. To truly LOVE them.

Think of someone who has caused you many tears and choose what you are going to do about it. There are only two options and it is your choice, but remember, if you choose #1 you will know the watered down version of "love." If you choose #2, you will begin to see the true meaning of LOVE.

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 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. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." -Colossians 3:12-14.