Forgiving Others

forgiving others - Is there something wrong if I am having a hard time forgiving someone who has wronged me?

Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:44-45

If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 6:14-15

Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”

Matthew 18:21-22

FORGIVING does not mean forgetting. Sometimes the pain of an insult, rejection, or betrayal leaves a deep scar. So how can God ask us to forgive someone who has caused so much damage to our heart? When God asks us to forgive, he isn’t asking us to stop feeling pain over the situation. He knows that true forgiveness takes time, which sometimes means forgiving another over and over again. If you are struggling to forgive someone right now, ask God to help you take just a small step today toward loving that person. Start by praying for him or her. This may be one of the hardest things you will ever do, but prayer has the power to change your heart. Remember, God sees your pain. He promises to walk beside you as you choose to go down the long road of forgiveness.

Prayer Prompts

Lord, I just can’t seem to forgive this person: . . .

Your Word uses these phrases to encourage me to forgive: . . .