Biblical Answer

The Difficulty of Forgiving When Hurt is Fresh

When we experience hurt, it can be challenging to forgive the person who caused it. In fact, it can be downright difficult to even think about forgiving them, let alone actually do it. The Bible reminds us that unforgiveness can be like a poison that eats away at our souls (Matthew 6:14-15). When we hold onto resentment and bitterness, it can lead to feelings of anger, hatred, and even despair. However, forgiveness is not just a feeling, but an act of self-defense that can stop the bleeding of resentment in our lives.

The Importance of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not about excusing or justifying the other person's behavior, but about trusting that God is the God of justice and saying, "Father, I trust that you will deal with this person's sin." (Matthew 6:14-15). Forgiveness is not about forgetting what happened, but about not holding the person's sin against them. When we forgive, we are not saying that what they did is okay, but rather that we trust God to bring justice and healing to the situation. Forgiveness is a choice that we must make, and it requires a commitment to renew our hearts and minds when feelings of resentment or bitterness arise.

Practicing Forgiveness

Practicing forgiveness is an act of self-defense that requires practice to perfect. It takes courage and commitment to choose forgiveness, especially when the hurt is still fresh. However, as we seek to forgive, we must also pray for the person who wronged us, asking God to help them understand the impact of their actions and to bring healing and restoration to the situation. When we forgive, we are not only freeing ourselves from the poison of resentment, but also giving the other person the opportunity to understand the gravity of their actions and to seek forgiveness and restoration. As we practice forgiveness, we must remember that it is not always easy, but it is always worth it, for it is a key part of living a life that reflects Christian values and teachings. (Matthew 6:14-15, Luke 6:37-38)