Forgiveness is a process. We should decide to forgive as soon as possible, but sometimes it doesn’t come quickly after a painful experience, such as divorce or betrayal. Process includes taking the time to understand your own feelings and emotions about a situation.
Forgiveness is not letting the offense recur again and again. Forgiveness means we don’t have to tolerate, nor should we keep ourselves open to, lack of respect or any form of abuse.
Forgiveness is not the same as reconciling. It means we can forgive someone else to move forward without having to be in contact or get along with that person again.
Attitude. Forgiveness is not about the other person’s actions, it is about our attitude and deciding to trust God, His goodness and staying focused on our relationship with Him. Staying stuck in offense will only cause further damage to ourselves.
Forgiveness to offense does not leave you powerless. Refusal to forgive is a refusal to let go of perceived power. Oftentimes, we can feel powerful when the offender is in need of forgiveness. However, that fear leaves us in bondage to unforgiveness and distance from the Father’s true heart.
True forgiveness is returning to God to take care of justice. Refusing to trust God and hold onto a plan of punishment or revenge means we dont trust Him to care for us.
Forgive. Every single time. However, be aware if you are the one constantly forgiving and being continually hurt by someone without their having any accountability.
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13
Then 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
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. Leviticus 19:18
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go Matthew 5:23-24
If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive, your Father will not. Matthew 6:14-15
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