“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.” — Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV 84)
Forgiveness always sounds good — at least in theory. We are told in Colossians 3:13 to, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” But, how do we do that? And, what happens when we get hurt by someone and have difficulty forgiving? How can we practically forgive those who have hurt us?
Unforgiveness
In my 39 years as a Christian (29 years in full-time ministry) the thing that seems to cause more unnecessary pain, brokenness and bitterness in people’s lives by far is this — unforgiveness.
I have discovered that many Christians are not equipped — or are simply terrified — at the thought of humbly granting and receiving forgiveness.
The problem is that we ALL sin against one another (Romans 3:23). These sins become like poisoned arrows that penetrate our very souls. If arrows remain imbedded in our hearts, they will certainly infect our lives and relationships. Subsequently, the result will be brutal bitterness, springing up and defiling many (Hebrews 12:15).
So, what is the answer? What can we do to remove the “arrows” of sin we have inflicted and that others have wounded us with? How do we forgive someone who has hurt us deeply?
You must understand and practice these three truths:
- Forgiveness is an act of your will. You need to forgive, even if they “don’t deserve it.” Corrie Ten Boom reminds us that, “The will can function, regardless of the temperature of the heart.”
- After owning your sin, offer these seven magic words: “I was wrong, will you forgive me?”
- If someone asks you to forgive them, you need to do so using these four restorative words: “Yes, I forgive you.”
As a result, as you practice these simple steps of forgiveness, you will free yourself from the bitterness and heartache caused by sin.
Let’s forgive,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor