A moment of abiding and of faith turns into healing through multi-generational forgiveness
by Jennifer Lee Greene-Sullivan
John 15:4-5 (KJV): “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
This week has been a time of deep spiritual awakening for me. I’ve been learning what it truly means to “abide”—to dwell and to persistently remain in the presence and love of Christ. In my prayer time, I sought answers to the questions that have weighed heavily on my heart: Why have some of my Christian brothers and sisters seemed to act with such distrust or even hatred towards me over the last few years? The answer I received from Jesus was both humbling and enlightening.
The Response from Jesus: In that moment of prayer, Jesus spoke directly to me, reminding me of His words in John 15:18-25: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” He explained that the Pharisees, in their self-righteousness, could not recognize Him or know the Father. Their blindness was rooted in idolatry and pride. Most importantly, He assured me that I know the Father because He has brought me to His throne.
Then, He asked something even more personal and challenging of me: FORGIVE B.C., someone who contributed to my hurt and disillusionment over the years. Jesus said, “You must forgive and release him of the burden of contributing to your pain. He has come far here with me, and he needs your forgiveness just as you need to give it.” These words cut deep, but they were filled with hope. He promised that through forgiveness, healing and restoration would come.
Jesus has shown me that the profound connection between abiding in Him and eliminating the effects of abandonment. The abiding in Jesus ends the affects of abandonment, which is a key to spiritual and emotional healing. He revealed that a lack of abiding—remaining in His presence and love—can lead to feelings of abandonment, both spiritually and relationally.
In my journey, He pointed out that my unforgiveness of B.C. and the rejection I experienced from my own grandfather (B.C.) intensified those feelings of abandonment that impacted my heart and mind deeply. Jesus greatly emphasized that abiding in Him ends abandonment. It is in choosing to stay rooted in His presence that I and all Christ followers find the security and healing needed to overcome feelings of isolation, abandonment, and rejection. By forgiving and abiding, we reconnect to the source of unwavering love and acceptance that dispels abandonment and restores our hearts.
Reflections on Generational Healing: As I reflected on this, so many memories flooded back. I remembered the dreams I had when I was pregnant with my daughter, Anya—dreams of the deaths of my papa [B.C.], my grandma, and my daddy. Jesus revealed to me that He had hoped these dreams would prompt me to forgive before it was too late. When I extended love and forgiveness to my grandfather in that exact moment in my prayer time, I felt the release and peace that forgiveness brings.
In my prayer, Jesus affirmed: “To God be the glory for today we rejoice for B.C.’s freedom in Heaven.” The realization that forgiveness not only brings personal peace, but it can also reflect divine grace. God’s grace and favor in Jesus IS transformative. I understood that Jesus’ call for me to forgive was not just for B.C.’s sake, but for mine as well.
The Beauty of Abiding and Letting Go: Learning to abide in Christ’s love has shown me that forgiveness is one of the deepest ways we live out our faith. It’s in releasing the pain and embracing grace that we become more like Him. Forgiveness clears the path for healing, love, and the restoration that Christ promises. Ultimately, loving like Jesus is abiding!!
The verse in John 15 that emphasizes abiding through love for one another is John 15:12 and John 15:17. Here are these verses from the King James Version (KJV):
John 15:12 (KJV): “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”
John 15:17 (KJV): “These things I command you, that ye love one another.”
These verses highlight that abiding in Jesus includes loving each other, as this love is both a reflection of and a response to His love for us. Loving others is a fundamental way to remain connected and rooted in His teachings.
To anyone who has struggled with feelings of hurt, betrayal, or deep-seated pain: know that abiding in Christ is the anchor that holds us steady. Forgiveness is not a surrender to the wrong done, but it is a release that frees us to live fully in the love of God.
Final Thoughts: This journey of abiding and forgiving has brought me closer to understanding the heart of Jesus. It has reminded me that even in the hardest circumstances His love is enough to carry me through it all. To God be the glory, always.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the deep lessons You teach us when we abide in Your presence. Help us understand that abiding in You ends the feelings of abandonment that burden our hearts. Lord, guide me and all who read these words to remain connected to Your unwavering love, especially when facing the pain of rejection or hurt from others. Grant us the strength to forgive as You have forgiven us, breaking the chains of bitterness and isolation.
Lord, I lift up those who struggle with feelings of abandonment and pray that they find peace in knowing that Your love is constant and healing. Teach us to love one another as You have loved us, fulfilling Your commandment and drawing closer to You. May our hearts be softened, and may we become vessels of Your grace, showing that abiding in You truly leads to freedom and restoration.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Jennifer Lee…out!🎤💧
HASHTAGS
#Forgiveness #AbideInHim #SpiritualAwakening #FaithJourney #HealingThroughChrist
P.S. I dedicate this post to my beautiful mother, Cynthia. I love you, Mama!
The Aging English Major 