Summary: It’s easy to think you’re doing someone a favor when you forgive them. You think you’re the bigger person. But in actuality, forgiveness is not about the other person. It’s a lot about you and what God has asked you to do. You may have been truly wronged. Your anger may be righteous and justified. You may have been harmed, taken advantage of, or sinned against... But, you must realize that your forgiveness is not because the other person merits it, or asks for it. It’s because Jesus commands it - Jesus knows it’s right and it’s also good for your own soul. When we realize how much we’ve been forgiven, forgiving others becomes a more natural reaction. The person’s response may or may not be positive. But, their response isn’t what matters. You are honoring God when you fully forgive another. “As God in Christ forgave you, you also forgive one another,” God says. You no longer harbor bitterness. You can move on without dwelling on the incident. You are free to love and be filled with joy. Jesus said, “when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Before you can reach your world, before you can talk in the joy of the Lord to others, forgive those who have hurt you. God’s way really is the best way.
