When Forgiving Seems Hard
Have you ever felt hurt, abandoned, or rejected and struggled to choose forgiveness over bitterness? I have been there and believe me, it is not the easiest Christian thing to do.
Notwithstanding, the reality is that forgiving others is both a commandment and a wise decision. When we turn the hurt and pain over to God, we make room in our hearts for healing. Also, you must give mercy and grace to receive mercy and grace. So, it is necessary if we want God to pardon us too.
Why Should We Forgive?
- Remember that God pardoned you too: You are probably already familiar with this one. The main reason why you should forgive others is that God already did it for us by sending His son. As we can see from Scriptures, God is a loving and merciful father willing to pardon us when we approach Him in true repentance. Thus, it is only right that we model our heavenly Father (Colossians 3:8).
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man has a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Colossians 3:8 KJV
- Forgiveness is liberating: The act of forgiving someone involves deciding to favor mercy and grace over anger and malice. This entails deciding to let go of every pain and hurt the person might have caused. In turn, this creates room for peace, joy, and healing. Be merciful, just as your Father is.
But I say unto you which hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you
Luke 6:27-28 KJV
- Forgiveness brings healing and peace: Forgiving someone does not discredit the fact that you were hurt. However, it will bring healing, peace, honor, and calm to a circumstance that might have been detrimental to your overall wellbeing. To fully experience healing, you must seek God and lean on Him to see you through this process of forgiveness.
Bear in mind that, forgiveness is forever assured in Christ. It is only right that we do the same in our dealings with people. This way, God replicates the same grace in our relationship with Him (Matthew 6:14-15).
If you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your heavenly Father will not forgive your transgressions.
Matthew 6:14-15 KJV
Striving to harbor no grudge against anyone or easily letting people off the hook does not make you foolish or weak. Rather, you are obeying God and sending them down the road for the Lord to heal. Which makes room for your soul’s peace, joy, and liberation.
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