Matthew 6:13-14 “…For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses…”
Sometimes this is really hard to do—especially if we have been through trauma at the hands of another person. We can feel quite justified harboring unforgiveness, but it only leads to bitterness.
Unforgiveness becomes a lifestyle, a learned attitude. We may find it a lot harder to forgive any offence that happens in our lives.
We need to take on an attitude of forgiveness. It is the first step in being healed ourselves. If we saw people through God’s eyes, we would see a mirror of ourselves, as we all have sinned. We all have hurt someone at some time in our lifetime.
Remember: ‘hurting’ people, ‘hurt’ people. So, if you’re hurting right now because of some offence, will you give it up to God and ask God to help you forgive that person?
Bitterness can take a hold and bind you up. But forgiving others frees our souls.
