Forgiveness

Why do we find it so hard to forgive others? People hurt us, intentionally or unintentionally, and we hold onto the pain. It runs through our minds over and over again, many times gaining intensity with each iteration.

Do we really expect others to be perfect, never doing anything wrong? Do we really expect to never suffer hurt from others?

These are unreasonable expectations. None of us is perfect in these ways. Deep down we understand this, but it still hurts when we suffer in interpersonal relationships.

However, when we refuse to forgive, but instead hold onto the pain, we are the ones who suffer. The relationship remains broken. We are left with loneliness and a broken heart. We may even suffer physically as a result.

The obvious solution is to forgive others for the wrongs we suffer. It is not easy, I agree. I know that you have been wronged, maybe tragically, but you are the one holding onto the suffering, not the offender. Release them and you will be free.

We have a great example in Jesus. He gave his life so that we can be forgiven. His selfless sacrifice on the cross provides for our salvation and redemption. He asks us to follow his example and forgive others. Colossians 3:13 says, “bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”