Is there someone in your life who has hurt you, but you have yet to forgive?
You might feel justified holding onto your anger and setting up walls to “guard your heart” – but if you are carrying around unforgiveness – the only one who truly suffers is you.
As a Christian – God is clear that forgiveness is a command – not an option – and here’s why you must forgive those who have wronged you.
Because You Love God More
When you love God, you keep His commands. Even when it doesn’t make sense. Even when you may not “feel like it.”
As followers of Jesus, obedience isn’t an option – it’s something we must do – which includes forgiving and even praying for our enemies.
The world’s motto of “an eye for an eye” is not how justice works in God’s world.
When you demonstrate forgiveness to someone who has wronged you, not only are you keeping your heart pure before God – but you are also demonstrating your Christian witness to a watching world.
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Colossians 3:13
You Were Forgiven
Sometimes, we can be self-righteous and justified in our anger – and even consider ourselves as victims and become full of self-pity.
The truth is, even if we were truly wronged by another person – we are still called to forgive.
Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world – and paid the price for all sins forever – past, present, and future.
And it’s only by His blood and sacrifice on the cross that any of us are forgiven and able to be right with God.
Take a moment and think about all God has forgiven in your life.
If we truly understand the price Jesus paid on the cross – and realize all that we have been forgiven of – there’s no way we, too, can’t forgive others.
And remember – God warns us about the danger of unforgiveness.
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15
Don’t Take The Bait
When we are offended and ruminate in our hurt, we give the enemy a foothold.
Satan loves to get us when we’re down and will feed the anger and bitterness we feel.
But if we allow bitterness to take root – it can poison our entire being and cause us to sin greatly.
While someone may have sinned against you – the response should not be to repay them with evil – but with goodness.
This doesn’t mean you have to give this person close access to your life to wrong you again – but it does mean you must forgive them – even if they aren’t sorry.
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27
So if you’ve been carrying around a hurt from the past – today is the day to ask God to help you forgive that person.
He’s faithful to answer when we pray according to His will – so posture your heart towards God – and watch what He’ll do in your life.
Don’t be stuck carrying around baggage from the past – remember – Jesus came to set you free.
Is there someone you need to forgive today?
If so, are you willing to take the step and do it?
You can post your answers to our Facebook page and join in the conversation with other believers from all around the world.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17
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