When we forgive others we can here conformation that we have
done something good. But when we forgive
ourselves we only have ourselves to say it is okay. We have to trust God more that we are
forgiven.
Matthew 6:14-15; For if you forgive men when they sin
against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not
forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
What are the challenges of forgiving others that have hurt
you? They may hurt you again. They may reject your forgiveness. It might bring back more pain. When we forgive and it is rejected it may
cause us to become bitter. When we ask
for forgiveness and we are rejected we might punish ourselves more. But we should not expect people to accept our
forgiveness or give us forgiveness. True
forgiveness doesn’t depend on the response we receive. When we withhold forgiveness in hurts those
that need forgiveness and it hurts those that need to forgive.
Hebrews 10:15-18;The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about
this. First he says: “This is the covenant I will make with them after that
time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them
on their minds.” Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no
more.” And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for
sin.
It is hard to both forgive and forget because we don’t want
to be hurt again. Forgetting doesn’t mean you have to put yourself in
situations for more pain, but just not letting the pain control you. Forgive, forget, and move on.
Colossians 3:13; Bear with each other and forgive whatever
grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
God forgave us and we become more like Him when we can
forgive. It is not always easy, but
neither was the cross.
