Forgiveness – The Essential Attitude

We have all been offended – sometimes on a daily basis! We are called to forgive. But forgiveness is sometimes exceedingly difficult. When the hurt is deep, forgiveness is a challenge.

What if we don’t forgive?

An unforgiving spirit is deadly.

When we fail to forgive, we become bitter and angry. It effects all our relationships starting with our relationship with God. As someone said long ago, unforgiveness is the poison we drink hoping the other person will die.

Jesus told us numerous times that if we are unwilling to forgive those who offend us our heavenly Father will not forgive (Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 18:21-35)! So this is a very big deal!

What is forgiveness?

To forgive is to grant a pardon for a wrong and then to treat the person forgiven as if the offense had never occurred! It is an act of love. This is powerful and not easy!

To do this, we must have God’s help. But we must be willing and want to and understand that it is an act of the will not necessarily something we feel.

If there is someone who has offended you, someone who has hurt you, someone who has caused pain in your life, you will extend mercy and pardon that person. Every follower of Jesus does this!

You pray for them. You forgive them – even if they don’t ask you to. And the more you do it, the more natural it becomes. Eventually, forgiveness will be automatic with every offense!

Get Serious

An unforgiving spirit only hurts the one who has it. It doesn’t hurt the one who has caused the offense. So, search your life. Is there anyone who you needs your mercy today? Is there someone who has hurt you and is making you feel bitter? You don’t have to suffer this way!

Forgive them, for your sake, for Jesus’ sake! Then enjoy the peace that comes when you do!