Forgiveness

To forgive means to stop feeling angry or resentful towards someone for a flaw, offense or mistake. (“Google.n.d. Dictionary”) To forgive is ONE of the hardest tasks that humans can do. There have been times where I’ve been hurt by some of the closest people in my life. It's hard to truly forgive because you never would've thought that they would do or say certain things to you. There have also been times where I thought I had forgiven them, but then the next time I see or think about them, all of those thoughts come flooding back.

See, I’m a person who likes to get closure, I can’t just leave a disagreement unfinished. It makes me feel better if I am able to get everything off my chest, just knowing I said everything I needed to say. But is it really closure if there is no forgiveness? You can get closure, but how are you really done with a situation if there are still feelings of bitterness, anger, resentment, grudges, etc? Now granted, the relationship you once had with that person may change, but as children of God, there is a sense of respect you have to show each other. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Do you know how many people hurt Jesus? Whether it was through words or actions, people still didn't seem to care how they treated him. But in John 3:16 God so loved the world so He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

He died for all our sins-even the ones who beat him, mocked him and criticized him. If God can forgive them, why can’t we forgive our own brothers and sisters? No one said you have to be the best of friends again or even hang out, but you should be able to be cordial. You should be able to look at them without feelings of resentment, or not want to run away when they come around.

The phrases, “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you” can go a long way. To have forgiveness in your heart can only be accomplished by God, for he can change your heart posture. When you forgive someone, you have to TRULY mean it. If you do not forgive men for their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:15). You can’t truly say you’re a child of God but can’t show love. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against some. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13).

Forgiveness is easier said than done, but God can mend your broken heart. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalms 34:18). Whoever or whatever has hurt you can be transformed by God’s love. Trust me, I’ve been there before- I’ve had to ask God to help me heal from hurtful words that people have said to me. It took me a while to realize the reason I couldn’t truly let it go was because I truly did not forgive that person in my heart. I would say to myself that I forgave them, but deep down there was still a blockage. It wasn’t until God helped me release that pain that I started to see and feel change.

At the end of it all, God can help replace the void. If no one else shows or tells you the love, care or time that you need- GOD WILL. He’s a friend when you're friendless, father when you’re fatherless- He takes the place of everything you're missing.

It’s ok to admit you need help to forgive or maybe you’ve even hurt someone and never apologized. The more you allow God in, the easier it is to release those emotions. Remember we do not live by our flesh but by the Spirit- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5: 22-23).

• Luke 6:28 -bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you

• Matthew 18:21-22 - Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

• Matthew 18:33- Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?

• Colossians 3:14 - And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity

Google. (n.d.). Dictionary. Google search. Retrieved December 5, 2022, from https://www.google.com/search?q=forgive&rlz=1CAVARX_enUS1022US1022&sxsrf=ALiCzsZdQv_voXxMWixsWan854au22q7Iw%3A1670285619077&ei=M4mOY5iZBKaiqtsPpfWg6A4&ved=0ahUKEwjY_v3n2uP7AhUmkWoFHaU6CO0Q4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=forgive&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQAzIECCMQJzIECCMQJzIHCAAQsQMQQzIFCAAQkQIyBQgAEJECMgoILhCxAxDUAhBDMgoIABCABBCHAhAUMgQIABBDMgUIABCABDIHCC4QsQMQQzoKCAAQRxDWBBCwAzoHCCMQ6gIQJzoLCAAQgAQQsQMQgwE6BwguENQCEEM6DgguEIAEELEDEMcBENEDOg4ILhCABBCxAxCDARDUAjoOCC4QxwEQsQMQ0QMQgAQ6BAguEENKBAhBGABKBAhGGABQzQVYsidgsyloAnAAeAKAAaoBiAGsF5IBBDM0LjOYAQCgAQGwAQrIAQfAAQE&sclient=gws-wiz-serp