Someone asked me recently why they should forgive someone that hurt them.
Forgiveness is a tough one, especially when you’ve been hurt by someone or by a circumstance. But the thing about it is if you choose not to forgive, you and possibly those closest to you will be the ones that suffer.
L.B. Smedes: To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.
Colossians 3:13 says: Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
We are called to forgive, not because we feel like it or because it’s easy but because God told us to.
Dodinsky says: A mind preoccupied with thoughts of resentment and bitterness cannot change the past, nor does it wound anyone but the soul that beholds them.
Holding on to bitterness, anger, resentment, and un-forgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the person who hurt you to die.
When you don’t forgive, the only person that ends up hurt is you.
It’s okay to be mad, hurt, disappointed, or upset; it’s not about suppressing your true feelings concerning a particular situation.
But acknowledging your feelings and choosing not to let bitterness, anger, and un-forgiveness get in and take hold of you.
We have to…
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Ephesians 4:31
There is no peace without forgiveness.
Un-forgiveness will hinder you, cause emotional distress and depression, control every area of your life, cause anger and resentment, block you from moving forward, and steal your joy.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean that your hurt is not valid. It doesn’t mean you have to be best buddies with the person/people who offended you or even have any relationship with them. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that they even deserve it.
Forgiveness doesn’t change what happened in the past, but it can change what happens in the future.
Forgiveness means that you decided to free yourself from the burden of un-forgiveness and have begun to move toward healing in your life.
Forgiveness is one thing, reconciliation another.
God has called us to forgive others just as we have been forgiven.
If you’re struggling in this area, ask God to help you.
The choice is yours…
There is healing power in forgiveness.
Free yourself from the burden of un-forgiveness.
Remember:
Forgiveness heals your heart.
Forgiveness heals your soul.
Forgiveness heals you.
Forgiveness heals.
Bev
