What To Do When It Is Difficult To Forgive

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:14-15)

One of the hardest things to do for the first time is to forgive. However, once you get in the habit of forgiving, it will never be a problem again. There are many benefits to forgiving.

The number one reason to forgive is because it is a command. We are in total disobedience if we do not forgive when there is a need to do so.

Another reason to forgive is so you can have a clean heart and a right spirit. People who walk around harboring unforgiveness are in bondage. They are not free because unforgiveness is like a ball and chain around one's feet. They are moving, but quite restricted. Forgiveness might be the key to that ball and chain.

How can you forgive if you just can't...if you just don't feel like it? Ask God to let you forgive the person through God's heart. You will get some relief that way, but since forgiveness is an act of the will, it involves your attitude and your actions. Begin to do random acts of kindness for the person. Before long you will discover that your actions will change your attitude and forgiveness will become inevitable.

If we expect to be forgiven, we need to practice forgiveness ourselves. Jesus warns us that if we refuse to forgive others, He will not forgive us. Before you ask God to forgive you, ask yourself if there is anybody you need to forgive.

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Quiz 256
http://www.quia.com/quiz/1451956.html

Rev. Margaret Minnicks
Director, The Way of Life
www.the-way-of-life.org

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