God does not hold grudges against us and therefore we should not hold any towards anyone either. Why
do I have to forgive someone you may ask? A very long time ago, God decided that he would sacrifice
the only son he had named “Jesus.” God wanted us, you, and everyone to have one more chance to be
forgiven for our sins. Jesus knew that He was born to be a living sacrifice for our sins.
In Luke 22:42 Jesus prayed to God saying “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine be done. Jesus died on the cross, so that we can be free, saved and then our sins would be forgiven. Just like that, our sins can be forgiven and we can spend eternity in heaven with Jesus.
What is forgiveness; it is defines as, giving up resentment or to grant relief to someone. It can be difficult
to forgive or let go of the pain and anger because of what someone may have done or said to you, but it
does not have to be. We must readily forgive each other. Colossians 3:13 says, “Be gentle and forbearing with one another and if one has a grievance against another, readily pardoning each other, even as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also forgive.”
Resentment in our hearts can lead to physical sickness, bitterness, bondage and the most important is that God will not forgive us. Matthew 6:14 says, “For if we forgive people their trespasses then our heavenly Father will also forgive us.” God sent his only son, so that our sins can be forgiven. Again, remember, God will not forgive us, if we continue to have an unforgiving heart. Forgiving is releasing the bondage in your life and then you have listened to God. No longer are you in bondage, you are in Freedom!
Asking God for forgiveness for your resentments of others and then anthologizing to the person is a wonderful feeling. It feels like a great burden has been lifted and your heart is full of joy. It does not matter if the person does not say “I’m sorry” because you have done what God has commanded you to do! Pray for them earnestly and lovingly.
Mark 11: 25-26 says, “When you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and leave it, in order that your Father in heaven may also forgive you. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive you” Please do not wait any longer, because we are not promised tomorrow, nor do we know what tomorrow might bring. Freedom in Forgiveness Forever!