Yesterday, we reflected on our sins and letting them die so that we can have a new life with Christ. We have repented and, through Jesus’s death on the cross, we are forgiven. Addressing our sins, and asking for forgiveness, is only one step that God wants us to take. We must also forgive those who have hurt us. In the Lord’s Prayer we say that we will forgive others…but do we? Most of us do not.
“Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Matthew 6:9-13 ESV
When we do not forgive each other, we carry that burden with us. The other person has probably moved on and is no longer affected by what they did. However, without giving forgiveness, we continue to harbor anger, frustration, stress, sadness and a wide array of other feelings. By forgiving the one who hurt us, we can let their actions, and the associated feelings, die and start a new life.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV
Why is it that we have such a hard time forgiving someone? Is it because we want justice? Do we want them to suffer for what they have done? Maybe we carry some anger with us and want karma to pay them a visit. Perhaps we feel if we forgive them, we have condoned their behavior…and that doesn’t seem fair. Forgiving others may seem to be a choice, and in one sense it is, but God has been very clear about forgiveness. In numerous Scriptures God has given us specific direction as to what we must do. It is all summed up in just one word — forgive!
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25
Who has hurt you that you have not forgiven? How is it affecting you? What feelings do you have for that person because of their hurtful behavior? Pray that God will give you the strength to forgive that person and move forward with your life.
