Forgiveness can be a very difficult act to do. Whether forgiving someone for something small or for something they did which was seriously damaging, however they wronged you, it can feel like an impossible task. Sometimes, to truly forgive someone takes time. Nevertheless, the Bible is crystal clear on the importance of forgiving others. There are no exceptions; no ‘unless’, ‘if’ or ‘but, ‘ to who we forgive and why. Ultimately, we are told to forgive because we have been forgiven.
“Make allowance for each others faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Colossians 3:13
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Matthew 6:14-15
To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.
C. s. LEWIS
Forgiving others does not excuse or accept the hurt and wrong-doings they did to you. You may believe they do not deserve your forgiveness, but you do deserve peace for yourself. Holding grudges makes you bitter, whereas showing forgiveness does not make you weak, it sets you free! We must treat others how God treats us – including being able to forgive abundantly.
“Then Peter came to him and asked,”Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied,”but seventy times seven!”
Matthew 18:21-22
“Get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
Forgiveness is not a feeling; it is a commitment. It is a choice to show mercy, not to hold the offence up against the offender. Forgiveness is an expression of love.
Gary Chapman
Plain and simply, we are told to forgive. Therefore, we should do so. I know there have been times where forgiving someone is the last thing I want to do, but as a Christian, forgiveness is an example of God’s love, which we are told to share with everyone, whether we feel they deserve it or not.
If you are finding forgiveness hard, then pray and ask God to support and strengthen you with this. It’s time to let go of your grudges and find your inner peace today.
God Bless! 🙂 x
STEADFAST 