[QUESTION]: I’m Struggling to Forgive Someone. Can You Help Me?
A:
Forgiveness is a powerful principle of God. God’s Word is clear that we are to forgive, but if you are struggling to forgive someone who has wronged you, begin reading and thinking about these six scriptures. Then make the quality decision to forgive that person. Your emotional and spiritual well-being depend on it.
Ephesians 4:32: Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Mark 11:25: But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.
Matthew 18:21-22: 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!”
Colossians 3:13: Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
John 13:34: So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.
1 Corinthians 5:17: This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
As you read, re-read and meditate on these scriptures, let them change the way you think about your painful past. Then whenever distressing memories or emotions try to rise up, pray, Lord, I forgive that person for the wrong they did to me. By faith, I walk in love with them and forgive them just as You have forgiven me. And I thank You that, by Christ, I am a new creation and that old life has passed away. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.