Forgiveness is defined as the act of forgiving or the state of being forgiven, or willingness to forgive. To forgive is to cease to blame or hold resentment against (someone or something), to grant pardon for (a mistake, wrongdoing, etc), to free or pardon (someone) from penalty, or to free from the obligation of (a debt, payment, etc).
Luke 23:33-34(NIV) says "When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”[a] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots." <--- This is the ultimate form of forgiveness. Not only was Jesus wrongly beaten and crucified but he asked his father to forgive everyone. Now again i will ask... Can you forgive someone who have deeply hurt you? Think about it, I'll wait.....
When i was younger my grandmother and her long term boyfriend were arguing and he hit her upside the head with a glass ashtray sending her to the hospital. When i tell you i hated that man, i truly did and at one point i wanted to kill him. To put your hands on my grandmother is an ultimate no no and even though i was young i wasn't dumb. I called the police and they took him away but my grandmother never pressed charges. That hurt because you allowed a man to hit you and you take him back. From that point on i made it known that i hated him every chance i got! He got tired of it and he talked to my grandmother about it but it was either me or him and she made the right choice. He left but a couple of years later he came back. I moved out that time cause i couldn't sit there and be in his face. The purpose of this story is to let you know that it doesn't have to be something that was done to you but regardless you have to forgive. And i forgave him and i prayed for him. I never told him that because i haven't ran into him since then but in my heart i forgave because i carried that hatred around for so long making me bitter and i didn't even know it.
Mark 6:14-15 (NIV) says "14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." <--- God sacrificed his ONE AND ONLY son Jesus Christ for our sins.... and guess what? He forgave them ALL sins, and all he wants us to to is to repent and forgive others.
I know we have all had people (friends, family, associates, enemies) talk about us, spread rumors, or even accuse us of things we did (or didn't do). It hurts especially when it comes from people we thought were close. There was this one time when someone i thought i was close with called me "the devil" said i was a hypocrite and all these other nasty words. I was hurt, like that cut me deep because that person was suppose to be my "sister" someone who i thought i could turn to when i needed someone to talk to and for her to say something like that to me was the ultimate low blow. Now i have never been perfect, never claimed to be. I've always said that i wasn't a christian but i believed in God and what he did, i have a relationship with God. I've always tried to stay on that narrow road but as i said i'm not perfect so yes i make mistakes, i backslide, but i get back up. This also happened to be around the time i was going through a lot and close to a breakdown. With this person, i never thought about forgiveness, i hated this person and i knew for a fact that our relationship would never be the same. It took me a while to start talking back to this person and even till this day our relationship is not the same. I don't really tell to much of my business because they always have something to say about my life and i think it *curse word* because this person's life is far from perfect. I haven't truly forgiven this person because i still think about about it and i hurts my heart that someone would say that about me. Hopefully one day i will be able to truly forgive this person and not look back on the past with hurt and anger. The good in me will always pray for her and is there for her but i know my limits.
Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV) says "21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[a]" <--- Not SEVEN but SEVENTY SEVEN times!!
Okay lets think about this. I want you to think (maybe even write down) everyone one who has done you wrong, hurt you in anyway, caused trouble in your life... basically anyone who you haven't forgiven. Now once you have that done i want you to say this prayer and think about everyone you wrote or thought about.
"Lord Jesus Christ, I ask today to forgive EVERYONE in my life. I know that You will give me the strength to forgive and I thank You that You love me more than I love myself and want my happiness more than I desire it for myself. I ask that You bless the people that have hurt me in anyway and help them with the struggles/problems that they may encounter in life. Heal them Lord of any hurt, pain or stress. Lord Love them as You love me. May we have the strength to forgive others as You have forgiven us. Soften our hearts and allow of minds, hearts, and souls to be free from the bonds of unforgiveness. I pray for a sense of peace in our lives and hearts. Lord I love You Lord with all my heart and i am forever Thankful and Grateful for Your undeniable Grace and Mercy. I will forever give You the praise and worship You deserve, in Jesus name. Amen"
Now can you forgive them? Try it and watch the blessing pour into your life. Peace be with you. Goodnight World!
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