Biblical Answer

The Challenge of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is often a difficult and painful process, especially when the hurt is still fresh. It's natural to feel angry, resentful, and even bitter when someone has wronged us. However, as Christians, we are called to forgive, not for the benefit of the other person, but for our own sake. Unforgiveness can lead to a toxic cycle of resentment, bitterness, and even hatred, which can consume our lives and bring death into our being.

Practicing Forgiveness

So, how do we forgive when it still hurts? The Bible teaches us to pray for those who have wronged us, asking God to help us forgive and to free us from the burden of unforgiveness. We must choose to forgive based on God's love and mercy, not on our feelings or emotions. Forgiveness doesn't mean that what the other person did was okay; it means that we trust God to be the God of justice and that He will deal with the situation accordingly. As we pray, we must also ask God to help us understand that forgiveness doesn't justify the other person's actions, but rather frees us from the weight of resentment and bitterness.

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is an act of self-defense, a way to stop the fatal bleeding of resentment and bitterness. When we forgive, we don't erase the hurt or the pain, but we release ourselves from its grip. We can choose to forgive and move forward, not for the benefit of the other person, but for our own healing and growth. As we forgive, we are reminded of God's forgiveness and mercy towards us, and we are empowered to live a life that reflects His love and character. By choosing to forgive, we are not only freeing ourselves from the burden of unforgiveness, but also allowing God to work in and through us to bring healing and restoration to our lives and relationships.