Do you find it hard to be forgiving? Sometimes, it is very difficult for us to let go of the many hurts that have come our way. Some may be trivial, but others are heartbreaking. I understand, as I have experienced both.

When we carry around unforgiveness against someone who has repeatedly hurt us, it is like a heavy backpack which weighs us down. I know that I have been guilty of this. If only we could realize that this burden-carrying is so unnecessary.

Colossians 3:12-13 – God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, humble, meek, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. (CEV)

We may be thinking about some injury that there is no way that we can forgive. It was so terrible that it is not possible to forgive. However, to be forgiving is an act of obedience to God. Yes, forgiving even the most tragic thing in our life is possible when we live in obedience to God. When we forgive others, it allows God to work in our life. He has forgiven our sins, so we must be a forgiving people.

Matthew 6:14-15 – For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV 2011)

In fact, the burden of our not forgiving actually hurts us so much. While we carry an unforgiving attitude in our hearts, that backpack gets heavier and heavier, and in effect, the person who has hurt us continues to do so. Let's let it go, forgive those hurts, and hand it all over to God.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for the awesome love and forgiveness for our many sins which Your Son Jesus paid for on the cross for us. Help us to look beyond our hurts and forgive others their sins against us, just as You have forgiven us. Amen.

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About the author:

June Heale <jinnybug@shaw.ca>
Parksville, British Columbia, Canada
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