Forgive – A Hard Word

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

Does this verse give you a little knot in the pit of your stomach? I am always so grateful for God’s amazing grace, for His overwhelming love, and for mercy given in undeserved forgiveness. I only wish I found it easier to extend the same mercy, grace, and love to others.

Do you struggle with memories of offenses that have hurt you? Words that betrayed? Cruel comments that left you with a broken heart? Do you feel justified when you replay those memories again and again? Maybe the offense was intentional, may be wasn’t. Maybe the offender has asked for forgiveness; more likely they haven’t. Some offenses cause momentary pain, some leave us looking at a changed life that will never feel the same.

The reason “forgive” is such a hard word is because our Father never qualified circumstances when it is okay not to forgive. In Matthew 18, Peter asked Jesus, “How many times must I forgive?” Jesus replied with a parable that ends this way:

Then the master called his servant in and said, ‘You evil servant! Because you begged me to forget what you owed, I told you that you did not have to pay anything. You should have showed mercy to that other servant, just as I showed mercy to you.’ The master was very angry and put the servant in prison to be punished until he could pay everything he owed. “This king did what my heavenly Father will do to you if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” v. 32-35

Does God really want me to forgive someone completely? From the heart?

Absolutely!

It’s taken me some time to understand the reasoning behind God’s command for His children to forgive like He forgives. When we refuse to forgive we are the ones who pay! It costs us our peace of mind, happiness, contentment, etc.

Bitter, hurt, and angry is no way to live. Several years ago, I began asking God to forgive through me, and I have to admit I didn’t feel like it at the time. I also asked Him to bless those who had caused me hurt. Each time I found myself rehearsing the offense, I prayed for the offender. Gradually over time forgiveness wasn’t just what I was doing, it’s how I felt . . . peace of mind, happiness, and contentment returned.

Although forgiveness is a hard word when I struggle to forgive, when I look at my own overwhelming need for forgiveness I change my perspective and realize that it is a good word. A very good word. It is the word of hope and redeeming love.

Father, thank-you for Your amazing grace and forgiveness. Please fill me with Your love that I might be able to forgive as I have been forgiven. In and through the precious name of Jesus. Amen.