One of the greatest gifts God has given us is forgiveness. Not only has he given us forgiveness, but He has also given us the power to forgive others. It is naturally easy for us to feel justified in resenting others for things they have done to us. Not to minimize that hurt in any way, but I have learned that resentment has power over us. When we choose to hold on to past wounds or even recent pains, we forfeit being able to grab ahold of the things we should be holding, like peace and joy. 

I will never forget the time God gave me instructions to call someone who I despised even hated. As I sat in my car in my driveway having a conversation with God, he told me to call this person and tell him I was sorry. My immediate response was, “Hell no, he owes me an apology.” I thought to myself, why do I need to apologize? He was wrong, not me. Yet, I had to be obedient. God reminded me that he calls me to walk differently no matter what I thought of this guy. Not only that, but God has forgiven me for so much; how could I not be willing to forgive others.

The other morning I was faced with a difficult situation and hurt that honestly had the potential to crush my spirit, but instead, I chose to forgive. At that moment, I made up in my mind and heart to forgive. In doing so, the power that the situation could have had was gone. Now, does that mean it was or is easy? No! 

Forgiveness is something that requires discipline. You may have to forgive the same person for the same action every day. You may have to remind yourself that you have forgiven someone moment by moment, but it’s worth it.

Today think about who you need to forgive, then forgive. 

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15