We are commanded by God to forgive others, but do really do that? I know I have a hard time with this concept. Lets face, when we are wronged, we think we are owed something. However, this goes completely against God’s will and is therefore a sin.
Matthew 6:15 New International Version (NIV)
15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Forgiveness is not forgetting as the saying “Forgive and forget” goes. Forgiveness means to let go or release or dismissal. In other words when we think someone owes us a debt and we forgive them, they no longer owe us that debt. That does not mean that they go free and it does not mean you will become friends. Take someone who hurts a person you love. We get mad and think that person owes us or the person they hurt something. When you forgive them, you are releasing them of the debt they owe and basically giving it over to the courts to handle. This is also how it is handled with God. When we forgive a person, we are saying God you handle the debt the way you think best.
Part of the reason that it is so hard to forgive people is due to fear and anger. We are afraid that this person will get away with something and we are angry that they even committed whatever it may have been to begin with and we are owed. Ultimately we think that we are in control and have lost it, but the reality is we were never in control.
As stated before, I have a hard time with forgiveness. It is not that I do not want to forgive, but for me it is about giving up that control. When I have been wronged, I want that person to pay. I want to blame the person, but then I am reminded of this versus:
Ephesians 6:12 New International Version (NIV)
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Lord please help me with my inability to forgive others. I know it goes against you will to not forgive others and only you have the power to help me out as I know I cannot do this on my own.