We feel hurt when another’s unkind words or actions cause our self-worth to be devalued. If amends are not made we often carry a grudge against the offender and this has the effect of causing us further harm. Hanging on to a bitter grudge and seeking revenge only sickens our soul and damages those who are close to us.
Forgiveness is the only way to stop the ongoing pain from buried grudges. For some of us who have been victimized, forgiveness is unthinkable. We still feel the pain of the offence and forgiveness rips at our sense of justice. We want the offender to pay, to suffer in return for the suffering they have inflicted on us. However, until we forgive the offender, the offence he or she committed against us will continue to harm us. Due to our unwillingness to forgive, the occurrence will fester with resentment in our souls and the damaging link between us and the perpetrator will remain. The Bible gives us the following advice:
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. (1 John 3:1a;3 NIV)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Help me to forgive those who have sinned against me as You have forgiven my sin against You. I desire to be free from all bitterness and the grudges I have held against others. Please help me to let go and allow the healing process to begin. Amen
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