We all have reasons not to forgive. Some of us have more reasons than others. Some think that they are more justified than others. But when it comes right down to it, we all need forgiven.
We are imperfect. We stumble time and again, but that doesn’t stop us from getting right back up and moving forward in faith. The entire reason we aren’t hindered by these mistakes is because of the wonder called forgiveness. God forgives us each time we make mistakes so that we aren’t chained in failure for the rest of our lives.
There is another chain that can hold us down, though, and we’re very willing to keep it around our necks. Unforgiveness. Someone wronged you so you won’t let it go, make them suffer for their wrong doing is the thought process, but do they even care that you haven’t forgiven them? Do they even know? Who is this really hurting? Them or you?
I can tell you from experience that unforgiveness eats you alive. It never hurt anyone but myself and those that I loved. See, when you let unforgiveness rule your life, you begin to hurt others because you haven’t dealt with the hurt someone else inflicted on you. It’s a vicious cycle.
The Bible gives us an alternative to this destructive life style. Ephesians 4:32 says,
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
New Living Translation
We have been forgiven by the God we hurt every single day over and over, sometimes on accident. He can forgive us, therefore, we can forgive each other.
One of the most consistent excuses I have heard is, “you expect me to forget what they’ve done to me and pretend like it never happened?” No, that is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Forgiveness is realizing someone has wronged you, but not letting it rule your life. It the ability to see what they did to you and learn from it, but not think about the wrong all the time.
I’m not telling you to forgive for the sake of the one being forgiven. The Bible says,
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
New Living Translation
If you don’t forgive others, God won’t forgive you. Was what that person did to you worth ruining your own life over? Is it worth giving up God’s forgiveness? No. Take time today and let God speak to your heart and allow Him to help you forgive.
