Forgiveness is not easy, especially when someone has hurt us deeply. We may feel angry, betrayed, or resentful, and we may want to retaliate or seek justice. But the Bible teaches us a different way of responding to those who hurt us. It teaches us to forgive, as God has forgiven us.
Forgiveness is not a feeling, but a decision. It is not condoning or forgetting what happened but releasing the offender from our debt. It is not denying or minimizing our pain but choosing to heal and move on. Forgiveness is not a one-time act, but a process that may take time and effort. It is not a sign of weakness, but a mark of strength and maturity.
Forgiveness is a gift that we give to ourselves and to others. It frees us from bitterness, anger, and resentment, and restores our peace and joy. It opens the door for reconciliation, restoration, and renewal. It reflects the character and love of God, who forgave us while we were still sinners. It honors the sacrifice of Jesus, who died on the cross to pay for our sins. It follows the example of Jesus, who prayed for his enemies and forgave those who crucified him.
The Bible is full of verses that encourage us to forgive those who hurt us. Here are some of them:
– “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)
– “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
– “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)
– “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
– “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25)
– “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44-45)
– “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
(1 Peter 3:9)
Forgiving those who hurt us is not easy, but it is possible with God’s help. He gives us the grace, the strength, and the motivation to forgive. He heals our wounds and restores our relationships. He blesses us when we obey his command and follow his example. He makes us more like him, as we forgive as he forgave us. So, for those of you who need to hear/read this today, because you may be going through a similar circumstance, or know someone going through this, please let go, choose to forgive, and move on in Christ’ Light and Grace.
“Father, should I encounter a wrongdoing, may I be of Jesus’ Spirit in terms of forgiving and praying for the individual, may I be tolerant and humble in moving forward, and may I be a witness to Your commandments and Your doctrine in all I do and say, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
