forgiveness

How do you know if you have forgiven someone?


AndIf you forgive them does that mean you act as if nothing ever happened?I mean if someone shot your dog out of meanness, you might forgive them but would you ever trust them around your dog again? If not does that mean you have not forgiven them?

Suppose you think you have forgiven but you really have not, how would youknow?

Does forgiveness mean you have to associate and be friends with someone that has a personality that just irritates you?I know these are very childish questions but I really need some answers.

I talked to my former pastors wife and well pretty much cried on her shoulder and asked her all I could about forgiveness.

What she told me was that concerning my parents-they really were not good people. And it is self protecting to not allow them in to my life in a parent child relationship. My mom has always been harsh and just daily put me down calling me ugly and stupid. I give her the respect of my mom but I have no desire to have a relationship with her.

She said forgiveness is pretty much not holding a grudge against the person but I have children and grandshildren to protect from her. So I keep them away to protect them. That does not mean I have not forgiven her.

I really am a Christian, as long as I desire to be one. I am the only one that can say that I am not a Christian and have it be the truth.

my Lord is real and He lives and adore Him.

Good night.