National Forgiveness Day

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By Elizabeth Ludwig

The theme in many of my books has been forgiveness–both giving and receiving. It seems fitting then, that that I talk about National Forgiveness Day. This year, it falls on October 29. Who knew? I certainly didn’t. It’s a good reminder that we all need to practice forgiveness. However should this be reserved for one day…or should it be a way of life?

Here’s how we can all benefit from the healing power of forgiveness:
Where Hope Dwells_Ludwig
Pray for the person who hurt you. Though it may be difficult at first, there is something remarkable and healing about lifting a person in prayer who may not even care that you have been hurt.

Communicate your feelings to the person who hurt you. Believe it or not, though we might think the person who hurt us should know what they have done, many times it simply does not cross their mind that there has been an offense, especially if it was unintentional.

Extend grace. This sounds easy, but oftentimes it’s the most difficult to put into practice. Grace isn’t something that comes naturally to most people. Our initial response often tends toward vengeance or retaliation, but we can change this with a simple study of the habits of the One who practiced it best. Do a Bible search on the word grace and keep those scriptures constantly before you. And remember, with grace comes forgiveness, and with forgiveness…healing.

Ludwig3Elizabeth Ludwig is a bestselling author and speaker. Book three in her popular EDGE OF FREEDOM series, Tide and Tempest, was recently named a finalist for the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Elizabeth was also named a finalist in the 2015 Selah Awards for her novella “One Holy Night”, part of the bestselling anthology collection, Christmas Comes to Bethlehem, Maine. Her latest releases include Where Hope Dwells and A Stitch in Time, part of the SUGARCREEK AMISH MYSTERIES series from Guideposts. She often attends conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Along with her husband and children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas. To learn more, visit ElizabethLudwig.com.

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