Among the most significant and the most difficult things to learn in the Christian life is learning to forgive. It is not simple to forgive since pain exists. When individuals have wronged us so much, we never forget the experience, and the pain is still recent.
I have also been taught that it is easy to hang on to anger but it kills peace in the heart gradually. Forgiveness does not mean that the wrong should not have happened, it means that instead of getting bitter, you should heal.
We have been taught in the Bible of the power of forgiveness.
It states in Ephesians 4: 32, that you must be kind and compassionate towards each other, that you have to forgive one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
This verse helps me to remember that forgiveness is not pegged on the actions of the other party, but on how God has treated me. God also forgave me at will, even when I did not seem to deserve the forgiveness.
Jesus Himself had stressed upon forgiveness numerous occasions. In the book of Matthew 18: 21-22, Peter questioned Jesus to know how many times should he forgive and Jesus replied not seven times but seventy-seven times.
This proves that there is no limit of forgiveness. I know that forgiveness is not a one-time decision that we make each day. At times, I will use my mouth and then my heart will go in later.
Freedom is also achieved through forgiveness. Hebrews 12:15 cautions us that bitterness may develop and bother too many. When I refuse to forgive, I am the one who is jailed and not the criminal. But when I pardon I set myself free into peace.
The weight is relieved and the heart is peaceful. To sum up, learning how to forgive is a process based on obedience, humility, and love. It might need tears, time and prayer, but it would be worth it.
Forgiveness as Christians portrays Christ in us. My forgiveness brings me closer to God, and my heart becomes the place where the peace of God can reside.
God bless his word
Amen
