Forgiveness Doesn’t Always Mean Friendship

*I’ve responded to a couple of people with private letters recently but here is a general one because lately people have been popping up out of the woodwork.  Hopefully, I’ll only have to write it this last time.

Dear  Recent “Friend” Requests and Private Inbox Note Writers (Plural),

Forgiveness doesn’t always equal friendship.  Boundaries are very important in life. The only way to truly forgive is to let go of situations that have happened.  That may mean letting go of a relationship or a friendship that has caused pain or suffering.  I’ve learned that in really extreme situations a way to not allow bitterness to take over is to set up very definite boundaries.  I still choose to love yet I do it from a distance to protect the precious things in my life that I must keep close.  Life altering choices have been made and things will never be the way they used to be. 

I’ve set up some boundaries.  The areas of most importance to me are my relationship with God, my husband, my family, my close friends, and the ministry I’m called to at C3.  These are the things that give me a reason to live.  If someone has not respected any of these areas of my life or someone closely associates with those who have disrespected these things I hold dear I’ll boldly let you know that I must protect them.  Just in case anyone is reading this that may need to hear it… I have forgiven you  and will continue to 70 times 7 for your disrespect but I kindly ask you to please not cross the line of my boundaries.  I’ve let go and will choose to let go every time something is thrown in my face involutarily… please do the same, leave me alone and go about your business in a constructive manner.  We’ll all be better for it.  Focus your energy somewhere else because God has blessed us all with new lives to invest in.  I’m choosing to focus on who Christ is using to encourage me. 

Sincerely,

Andrea