Do I have to forgive people that have hurt me?
The answer is yes! We need to remind ourselves to let go of any unforgiveness that we might be harboring toward someone, which could hold us back from moving forward with our lives.
“But Jesus was saying, Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
What an example of love and forgiveness! I’m amazed how Jesus chose to forgive even when He knew all along He would have to suffer and die. He knew at the Lord’s Supper as he comforted his disciples that Judas would betray Him and Peter would even deny knowing Him; but He chose to forgive.
“If you forgive men when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 5:7)
None of us have ever suffered and been betrayed like Jesus. Through it all, He forgave. How silly of us to get so upset over gossip or unkind words spoken about us, or one of our family members. It can cause us to get so “worked up” and angry, wanting to retaliate and get even. Friends, we should stop, look in the mirror and question ourselves, “Is it really worth it? Does this situation even compare to what Jesus experienced?” He chose to forgive, shouldn’t I do the same?
Forgiveness calms our emotions and heart and allows us to move forward with our lives. Forgiveness breaks the chains that try to bind and hold us in the “unforgiveness prison.” Wherever we go and whatever we do, we will ALWAYS experience some verbal attacks and personality clashes, only because people think differently than we do. We must recognize that the enemy, Satan, enjoys getting us upset over what someone said or did against us.
Let’s choose to be like Jesus and rise above the verbal and emotional attacks. Let’s choose to walk in forgiveness and love. Let’s choose to forgive knowing it makes us stronger, not weaker.
When we decide to make forgiveness a lifestyle, we will experience more joy in our daily lives and even sleep better at night! We will be able to get along with co-workers, family members and friends much better. Peace will reign in our lives and be a testimony to others of God’s love and forgiveness.
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do ‘good’ to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28)
Forgiveness should be a lifestyle of walking in LOVE (God). If you are going to have a successful relationship with Jesus and others, you must CHOOSE to forgive and let the hurt go. Remember, staying mad at someone with an attitude of unforgiveness keeps you in an emotional prison with your attention and focus on yourself and not on Jesus. I encourage you to “Let it Go” and forgive.
Forgiveness is freedom!
