Forgiveness
We've all been hurt one way or the other by a friend, colleague, family and so on. The most is when you are hurt and the person after several complaints still has no remorse and continues to hurt you. It even gets more frustrating when you still don't understand why this person does this and you are really trying to understand them . Sometimes it feels like you are talking to a wall when you confront them about the issue. It leads to a lot of anger and resentment.
Ephesians 4:31-32 says ...."Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Have you ever had resentment and bitterness towards a person? Sometimes it is like carrying a weight around you or trash that you need to put a the dumpster but you are reluctant to do that. It feels so so overwhelming and stressful because you feel compelled to show your displeasure at this person whenever you see them. It even becomes difficult to work or interact with that person. Imagine all that stress from bitterness towards a person.
The question is, how will you feel if someone felt the same way about you? Don't say noone will ever feel that way about me. We are humans and we do make mistakes all the time so yes you are definitely going to offend someone. If that person is not a strong person to forgive you and move on, imagine the commotion the environment will hold. A bunch of people who may not talk to each other and hold revenge in their hearts. How terrible and dangerous a society we will have. Everyone at loggerheads with each other over some petty quarrel and dishing out revenge anytime they feel like it. This can turn into a viscous cycle if not curbed.
In Matthew 18: 21-22 , Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? “Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Jesus was obviously trying to tell Peter that we should forgive our offenders every time they offend us. Of course I believe in making it clear to them that they have offended you. Forgiveness means not holding a grudge but definitely voicing your concerns. It takes the weight off you and gives you a fresh feeling and outlook. Unforgiveness makes you a prisoner to yourself . It restricts your interaction with people keeps you occupied with unnecessary things like revenge.
Colossians 3:13 says .."Bear with each other and forgive one another, if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." As Christians we want our prayers answered but Matthew 11:25 says ..."And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” It is very evident that unforgiveness restricts our interaction with God.As such it is very important to put away all resentment as we go before God to present our grievances and supplications.
In a nutshell forgiveness is important in our everyday life to ensure continued harmony in society.
