We previously saw how we MUST forgive others and that it should be based on recognizing the magnitude of forgiveness we've been given through faith in Jesus. A true understanding of God's mercy toward us compels us to be merciful to others. But still, forgiveness remains difficult and somewhat ambiguous. Some hurts last sooooo long!
Like I shared with you, it was very hard for me to forgive people from my childhood but I did . Then the next stage was to forget. people say its hard and that they cant forget. I understand that it is hard BUT when we give our lives to Christ, the old is gone and new comes (1Cor.5:17). Its not easy at all but it takes an effort but first, we need to focus our attention to the CROSS and remember that Jesus paid the price for us and required nothing in return except for us to accept Him as Lord of our lives. had Jesus turned around and said 'now since I shed my blood at the cross for you, I need you to do ABC...in order to receive complete forgiveness'. His forgiveness and the price He paid was to free us, to make us whole, to redeem us, to give us life and by the way...HE FORGETS OUR SINS when we ask for forgiveness.
The last two years were years have been full of guilt, pain, anger (at myself) because of what I had done and said to someone. I said things I didn't mean to say and did things I didn mean to do and in the process, I hurt the person so very bad. I was strongly convicted by the spirit of God and I repented, asked God to forgive me. I lived with that guilt and pain for so long. I asked the person to forgive me a million times as well(I hope the person did). It made me realize how easy it is for us to hurt people without consideration of any sensitivity to their feelings whatsoever. The same will happen to you or someone you know somewhere down the road. But what should we do when this happens?
There are those today trying to forgive child abusers, murderers, habitually unfaithful spouses, and a whole list of emotional and physical pain. How do we truly forgive when it hurts so much? And how do we know when we've properly forgiven?
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."(Ephesians 4:31-32)
All forgiveness begins with a belief that God desires us to forgive in any situation; "If you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" (Matthew 6:15). If we are unable, or unwilling, to forgive, we need to spend more time reflecting on the forgiveness of Christ. Do we really understand? Do we really believe? Our ability to forgive identifies our focus: Is our priority on Christ or on our own needs and desires, hurts and pain?
But forgiveness is not simply saying the words "I forgive you." Rather, forgiveness is canceling the emotional debt. It means we love and earnestly pray for blessings in their life; "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). We should be able to think about the other person without bitterness, rage, or anger. We should be able to pray for an increase in their ministry or business, more peace in their family, and a closer relationship with Jesus. It's amazing how much healing takes place in our own heart when we pray for those who have caused us pain.
However, forgiveness does not necessarily mean a relationship must continue as if the hurt never occurred. Our heart may be free of all anger and bitterness - we may earnestly pray for the one who caused us pain - and yet, we no longer trust or enjoy their company. My forgiveness of a child abuser does not require me to leave my children in their care. I can love with a Christ-like love and pray without anger and yet guard my physical body and emotional and Spiritual heart.
It's unfortunate that even Christians are caught up in this state of bitterness, anger and unforgiveness. Most of us are carrying some bitterness of some sort toward another person today. These burdensome emotions should not continue in the heart of a Child of God, and the only road to release them is through the gate of forgiveness. Let's ask God to purify our heart. Let's refocus on the cross and release our burdens to Him. Let's honor our Father by showing the world what it means to forgive. He commands us to LOVE our enemies (its not a request by the way).
THIS IS OUR GOD!!
Have a blessed day!!
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