Colossians 3:13 ESV says: Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Has someone hurt you so badly that every time you hear their name or see them, your throat becomes tight and tears threaten?
Forgiving someone is not always an easy thing to do, especially when the hurt comes from someone you least expected. Someone perhaps that you trusted or respected. We need to work through this kind of hurt and allow God to release His love within us. Yes, we can forgive, and the hurt can still linger. Just when we think we’re okay, small subtle things, not noticed by others, can rip us apart all over again.
As simple as it sounds, walking away if not always possible when the source cannot be avoided. It could be a family member, someone you work with or even a church elder, yet we need to consciously prayer for those who hurt us.
Do we have friends who want to step in for us, or loved ones who want to rescue us? Ask them for prayer support. Ask them to pray that you can commit to forgiveness.
Once while praying in a similar situation an image formed in my mind. Jesus was holding a heart in the palm of his hands. Hurts and fears spilled out of the heart. This was not my heart but of the one I was praying for; the one who had caused my own hurt. This person was going through a far greater pain.
Sure, we do not deserve the hurt we feel just because of your accuser’s actions. And yes, rumours and untruths can be more damaging than the instigator could ever imagine. Nonetheless, we must forgive them. Sadly, in some instances, the truth may never be revealed.
Be prayerful of those who continue to cause hurt to you. They may never know how wrong they were about you but it doesn’t matter in the eyes of the Father, we need to pray for our enemies and be confidence that forgiveness will reign in your heart and theirs too.
Father, in your love, help us to forgive others even when others will not forgive. Continue to hold the heart of those who hurt us and lead them to a closer relationship with you so they may know your grace and healing, as we will. Amen.
Scripture Verses used are from the ESV Version of the Bible
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Riverside Peace 
I used to find forgiveness difficult, but only because I misunderstood what forgiveness is, primarily due to some very bad theology I was taught in my childhood. Once I understood what forgiveness actually means, it became easy.
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Even when we have been hurt beyond what we can bear at times, the first step to healing is forgiveness. In saying that, it’s not that easy to forget. It makes us a little wiser to those who we need to forgive and perhaps more so, be prepared for similar situations. With forgiveness comes wisdom.
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As a child I was taught that forgiveness required forgetting the wrong that had been committed and treating the one who had wronged me as if it had never happened. Except in the case of an extremely minor offense, this is all but impossible to do. But I was told that if I didn’t do it, then God wouldn’t forgive me either and I would go to hell. This obviously caused me an insane amount of anxiety. The breakthrough came when I learned that forgiveness is not the same as exoneration. It doesn’t mean I have to forget the wrong, and it certainly doesn’t mean that I have to open myself up to more abuse by trusting someone who has already proven himself untrustworthy. It means only that I give up my anger and bitterness and desire for revenge, and trust God to handle the situation as He sees fit. I can forgive someone and still be wary of him (since he has shown he can’t be trusted), and even if necessary sever my relationship with him. Once I learned what forgiveness really means, it became easy.
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Such a profound truth
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Amen
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Speaking from experience, as hard as it is to forgive it is even harder to be healed from the bondage of bitterness that sets in when we don’t forgive. God bless.
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Forgiveness is the Key to our health.:)
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Amen may God bless you by the way I have desame topic like yours titled FORGIVE AND FORGET?
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Thanks. I will pop over and check out your bog later. 🙂
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Thank you so much
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Amen … g
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Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
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The weak can never forgive.Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong -Mahatma Gandhi..Beautiful words, aren’t they ?
Infact , here in India , a holy event & a festival of forgiveness called Paryushana is being celebrated every year. Right now , it’s underway ( from 7th September to 14 th September )
So Let’s share our thoughts on & celebrate Forgiveness :
https://insideoutwithrahulyuvi.com/2018/09/09/celebrating-forgiveness/
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Thank you for reading and sharing.
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Forgiveness similar to humility is a hard pill to swallow but as you stated we have to release the hurt and pray for those who wrongfully accused us. Very inspiring post. Keep up the good work and thank you for your support.
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Thank you. 🙂
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Powerfully and beautifully expressed, Chrissy!! Your words challenge us to follow our Savior even when it seems a hardship. And yet, your post also brings the promise of such peace and joy that it is clearly worth it. Thank you! ❤
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Thank you for saying so and for reading.
Much appreciated.
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Beautifully written Chrissy❤️ I particularly liked the image you gave of Jesus holding a heart in his hand. It’s true that we never really know what’s going on in someone’s life, only God does. And praying for them is the best thing, though sometimes not easy…nor the first thing that comes to mind. Thank you for the encouragement to continue to pray for forgiveness to permeate every part of our being. Xxxx
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Thank you Shaz.
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