You are forgiven now; forgive

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 ESV)

As Christians, we are to forgive as God has forgiven us. If someone has hurt us emotionally, physically, monetarily, or whatever the damage may be, we are to forgive. This is really, really hard for some people. I believe it comes down to where you are with God.

When we grow in sanctification, we grow closer to the Lord. Things like ego, resentment, and anger dissipate. Tangible things, money, toys, and keeping up with the Jones disappear. It is really hard to let go of the anger, animosity, or resentment that comes with being hurt, but we must. I have and continue to see it with those who have placed their faith in the Lord. They may say they have forgiven, but when I see and hear about issues they are having with these emotions, it is obvious that forgiveness has not fully occurred.

What we should remember is that failing to completely forgive not only affects the relationship or interaction with others but also has a negative effect on our relationship with God. We cannot be covetous, and we are commanded to love, not to hate. Matthew wrote in 18:21-22, “Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” It is painful for Christians not to be fully forgiven because we are convicted by our sins, and the lack of love regarding friends and family impacts us as a child of God.

Paul wrote, “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.” (Colossians 3:13). Paul tells us that we must be patient and forgive remembering all the while God has forgiven us.

Is it hard to forgive? Yes, it is sometimes hard to forgive. If we forgive, we must be all in or all out. There is no gray area in the world of forgiveness. You either forgive or you do not. If you forgive, then you must erase all the things that bring on resentment, anger, and frustration. If these things still exist in your relationship with someone, then I am sorry to say you have not forgiven. Ultimately, this will have a negative effect on you.

We are blessed to be loved. We are blessed to be elected. We are blessed to be adopted and blessed to be forgiven. Can we not do the same with others? Love those God has chosen to put before us. Adopt them into our Christian family and forgive those who have sinned against us as the Lord has forgiven us for our rebellion.

Peace and Grace!