Why is forgiving others so hard? It’s what the Lord asks us to do in His Word. But the hurt is real. The pain is deep. Are we able to let go and truly forgive?
According to the Bible we are. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Col. 3:13).
Forgiveness is our choice. We either forgive from our heart or hang on to our bitterness and resentment which often leads to anger, hatred, and sickness.
Many times over the years someone has hurt me. A friend’s snide remark, deceitfulness on the job, a supervisor who thought I was incompetent, and a friend who pushed me away are a few of the times when I needed to forgive. These events were painful, and forgiveness did not come easily. I prayed and asked the Lord to soften my heart so I could forgive. I asked Him to allow me to see these people through His eyes of love.
When we hold on to unforgiveness, we make it an idol in our lives. It can become more important than God and honoring His Word. We feed it by justifying we have every right because it hurts. But does holding on to it ease the pain or fuel it? Our unwillingness to forgive keeps our past alive, and the bondage of bitterness can destroy us and our testimony for the Lord.
The Bible says, Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32). One truth is that forgiving others sets us free!
When we forgive, we release the painful emotions that rob us of our joy. We let go of our past, the hurt and anger, so we can move forward in healing, faith, and love.
Whether our pain came through abandonment, betrayal, rejection, or abuse forgiving those responsible will bring healing to our hurting hearts. Forgiving those who have hurt us brings freedom!
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Eph. 4:31-32).
Adapted from my previously published post at www.beyondfirst.org. Used by permission.