|
No doubt, one of the most difficult parts of being a Christian is learning to forgive those who have hurt us. It is especially painful when we are hurt by someone close to us. How should we handle it? David says in Psalm 55, " If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend." Ouch! Worse than the offence is the bitterness that comes when we are not able tot let go. So how does one release it? It's a challenge. So let's look at a few of the really good reasons to forgive.
Colossians 3:13 says: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone, even as Christ forgave you. " We are commanded to forgive. Also, we don't want to lose friends, "Whoever covers an offence seeks love, but whoever repeats a matter separates friends." Proverbs 17:9 The reasons to forgive are many but forgiving others can still be a hurtful process. So, next time the arrow of insult pierces your heart, consider the source and separate the sin from the friend. This way we can --"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32 Love you Church, Pastor |