My first stepfather sexually abused me when I was 7 years old. A typical situation, I suppose – he threatened harm if I told anyone. Fortunately, there were other problems with the marriage, and my mom divorced him after only a year together. But we all had scars from that experience.
My scars fed my strong desire for revenge. As I grew older and came to understand what he had done to me, I grew angrier. In my late teens, I fantasized about running into him someday. I planned each move, the first being a fully energized kick square in the source of my suffering, sending him to his knees. There were times when I even dreamed of killing him. The hate was strong and painful.
About 20 years later, I met Jesus Christ and He started teaching me about love and forgiveness. It’s taken me a long time to learn the lesson, but I finally let go of the hate. I wholeheartedly forgive my stepfather. I feel sorry for him, for he was a very troubled person. And I’m now free of my own troubles – free from the pain of hate and memories, freed by forgiveness. Thanks to the love and forgiveness of Jesus.
His Truth Will Set You Free 
August 23, 2014 at 11:16 am
WOW, this is powerful!Life can be wild at times. When I hear of situations like these, it reminds me of how powerful we as humans can be with the help of the creator. How have you reconciled this with your relationship with God? Or was it ever an issue?
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August 23, 2014 at 11:55 am
It was relationship with God that helped me through all of this, and gave me the ability to forgive.
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