Biblical Answer

Forgiveness is a process, not an event. It is rarely the case that we are one time and the matter is settled. Far more often, we must continually relinquish our bitterness a dozen times or more. When anger settles in, it will bring us to an increasingly familiar crossroad. Will we turn to the true God, who shows compassion to those who have sinned against Him, or will we turn to our own anger and bitterness? Our anger indicates that we really dont trust God. Therefore, when we identify anger in our lives, we cant simply say, I am going to stop being angry. Such a resolution is admirable, but it is not enough. We must learn to forgive, and forgiveness is a process that requires us to continually relinquish our bitterness.

When anger returns, it is often because we have not truly forgiven. We may have thought we had forgiven, but our memories are triggered, and the old feelings come flooding back. This is because general forgiveness doesnt heal specific hurts. Its important that we pinpoint what was taken from us and learn to forgive. We must develop the habit of forgiving, and this may take time and effort. Forgiveness is not just a decision to move on with our lives and forget the past, but a response to a real wrong. We must learn to forgive, and forgiveness is a process that requires us to continually relinquish our bitterness.

The Bible teaches us that we are forgiven by God, and this forgiveness covers both guilt and shame. Does our pain have anything to do with another person? If so, Scripture is full of hope for asking forgiveness, forgiving, and reconciling. We can learn to forgive and release the wrong a person has done against us. When we do, we will be freed from the anger and bitterness that has been holding us back. We will be able to live a life that reflects Christian values and teachings, and we will be able to trust God and His sovereignty over all creation. Forgiveness is not just a moral obligation, but a spiritual necessity for our own well-being and growth as Christians.