If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. – Matthew 6:14
The keyword to focus on here is “if.” Forgiving others is not negotiable. It’s something God wants us to do, and it’s for our own good. Forgiving people can be the hardest thing to do at times especially when someone has hurt us repeatedly.
Forgiving can be easier if we try to change our thinking, and remember we are all God’s children, and Jesus died for all of us, not just some of us. Out of love, Jesus suffered incredible torture and yet even while suffering on the cross He quickly asked God to forgive those who crucified Him. He sacrificed Himself for all of us sinners therefore, the least we can do is obey God and forgive others when they sin against us.
Try to remind yourself that you have free will but ultimately God is in control. Maybe this person is in my life for a reason and a purpose.
We all learn from each other; this situation might be a lesson in letting go of control, pride or stubbornness. Let’s be honest, in our flawed nature sometimes it can feel a little satisfying to hold a grudge but that is unhealthy and not God’s will. Humility is the cure for pride and it takes humility to apologize or accept that outstretched hand and forgive. We must forgive so that we can be forgiven.
Only after forgiving will we experience the peace that comes with letting go of grudges, and trusting God to move in both peoples lives.
