FORGIVENESS

Forgiveness is an act of pardoning an offender. It is a choice which is motivated by obedience to God’s command. Forgiveness is not easy, but we must do it irrespective of how we feel. To forgive means to ‘let go’.

And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another just as God in Christ forgave you.  Ephesians 4:32

We imprison ourselves when we harbor unforgiveness and experience freedom, emotionally and spiritually when we set the prisoner (which is invariably ourselves) free when we forgive. People will always hurt us, and so do we hurt others. But just as God forgives us, we are encouraged to forgive others. The prophet Micah in the book of Micah 7:19 describes God as treading our iniquities underfoot and casting our sins into the depths of the sea.

Forgiveness brings healing. You suffer most when you do not forgive, but when you do, God sets your heart free from built up anger, hurt and resentment. With prayer, the wall of unforgiveness is broken. Forgiveness can be a real struggle for us. This is because real forgiveness comes when there is no repentance expressed. Forgiveness is not granted because the person deserves to be forgiven, it does not mean that we have to put ourselves back into the harmful situation, or condone the behavior, but releasing one from the wrong done against us.

Do you find it difficult to forgive those who have hurt or disappointed you? Are you overwhelmed with frustration and bitterness? Trust God to bring emotional healing and leave vengeance to God, He will repay (Romans 12:19).