How To Forgive When You Can’t
Forgiveness is one word but associated with many factors: pains, offenses, disappointments, hatreds and anger. When you hear people tell you, “just forgive him or her or them”, it sounds so easy, but you find it hard to do.
If this is you, I would like to remind you that you are not alone in this situation. Many believers are also experiencing unforgiveness due to many painful reasons. We have all been hurt and victimized on some degrees and that is part of the journey of life.
However, allowing unforgiveness in your life will not do you any good. It may look like unforgiveness is your way of punishment to your offender but it is actually you who is suffering from this spirit.
The spirit of unforgiveness will hinder you from receiving more of what God has for you. You cannot experience breakthrough in life with the spirit of unforgiveness. Therefore, forgiving your offender is actually for your own good. When we forgive others of their sins against us, we set ourselves free from poisons, bitter roots and allow ourselves to heal from the pains we have experienced.
Hence, how do you forgive others when you find it hard to do so? Think of it like this. It may be true that he or she or they have wronged you which you do not deserve, but think about the wrong doings that you have done in your life which God has forgiven. When you think about your own sins (which are many) which hurt the feelings of God yet He has completely forgiven you, it gives you the grace to do the same to others. I mean, who are we not to forgive others of their sins when God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the King of kings has forgiven us? Instead of reflecting on his or her or their faults against you, try to rethink about your own faults to God, every hidden and public sins that He has forgiven. This truth would set you free from having no right to forgive others.
Moreover, the scripture says that “…if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matt. 6:15 NLT). Let this be a reminder when we find it hard to forgive others.
We all need forgiveness abundantly in this life and God is so merciful and loving that He forgives us completely and generously. Therefore, as His children, we too should be forgiving to others and learn to let go of offenses. It is for our own sake.
Prayer:
Father, thank You so much for forgiving me of my sins even though they are many. Thank You for the mercy, kindness, love and compassion towards me. Empower me Daddy to do the same to others. I forgive (mention the name/names) of the offenses made against me. I release blessing to that person Father and set me free from the spirit of unforgiveness. Thank You Father. I receive all Your blessings for me in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
