Forgiving someone who has treated us grievously is challenging.  It is easy to dwell on what they did to us and let our mind come up with all kinds of ways to seek retribution.  This is especially true when we are convinced that they did it on purpose to hurt us.

What does God want from us?  Is He OK with us holding a grudge because the offense was so painful? That’s what our human brain wants to do.  That person doesn’t deserve forgiveness, which lets them get away with what they did with no repercussions.

 

None of us deserve forgiveness.  This is a gift that is freely given through the blood of Jesus.  We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23).  God has already forgiven all of us.

God wants the best for us, but this is challenging to believe when He has allowed us to be hurt or abused.  The best for us is to forgive others.  Harboring unforgiveness in our hearts and minds hurts us; it doesn’t hurt the person who hurt us.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14 NIV)

Journeying Together –