Forgiving others is very important, no matter how difficult it may be at times. In spite of this, we still have to forgive people that do harsh things to us because if we can’t forgive others, God will not forgive us. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. … But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15) KJV
When we confide in a close friend, we feel like what we talk about is safe. Then we find out the information we shared with them, they told someone else. When people do this to us, we find it hard to forgive them. Nevertheless, we have to be like Jesus and say, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) KJV
Are you holding unforgiveness in your heart from something someone did to you years ago? If so, you need to let it go and forgive that person that has wronged you. When you forgive people that hurt you, God will forgive you. “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25) NIV
All of us make mistakes. We say things we don’t mean, and we hurt people we love. Yet, when we admit we were wrong and apologize for the things we’ve done, we will receive forgiveness from God. Then we can pass it on to others by showing kindness. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32) KJV
Regardless of how many times people ask us to forgive them, we have to do it. Even though it seems impossible at times, we should never refuse to forgive because we have been forgiven by God. “Then Peter came to him and asked, ‘Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?’ ‘No, not seven times,’ Jesus replied, ’but seventy times seven!’” (Matthew 18:21-22) NLT
As children of God we shouldn’t try to judge people’s motives; only God can do that. We should have a forgiving spirit like God and stop finding any little faults against people who did us wrong and find it our hearts to forgive them. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37) KJV
So be encouraged today and always remember: We should always be ready to forgive others like Jesus forgives us. “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” (Psalm 86:5) KJV
Minister Sherry Ivy is a Minister of the New Providence M. B. Church (Healing & Yoke Destroying Ministry) in Macon Mississippi, under the leadership of her husband, Pastor Willie J. Ivy Sr. you can contact her via email at [email protected]
