As We Forgive Those

Those who choose to forgive those who trespass against them live much better lives than those who choose not to forgive.

As We Forgive Those

"And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."

(Matthew 6:12)

Those who choose to forgive those who trespass against them live much better lives. This is a choice. To choose the path of unforgiveness is initially the easier path, but it never turns out well. Not forging someone is like drinking poison thinking that it will kill your enemy.

Some of you have been sinned against far worse than others. In fact, some of you have been sinned against so egregiously that it would cause us all to shudder in horror. I am so sorry. It is not easy to forgive, but God gives us the strength to do so if we believe and trust in Him.

I will share something with you that is very personal. I hope it will help those who have suffered and struggle with forgiving. When I was around 5-6 years of age, my dad came after me to beat me again. I ran and hid under a piano. He found me, of course, and beat me mercilessly. A couple of years ago, I was processing this memory, and the question was asked: where was Jesus when that happened to me as a small child? I asked the Lord, and I believe He gave me an answer in my spirit, and He did so with a picture. I saw Jesus under the piano with me, kneeling beside me, with His hand stretched out toward me, and He was praying for me.

You may be asking, where was Jesus when my husband left me, or my mother died, or when I was wrongfully terminated from my job, or raped, or when someone murdered my loved one, or a host of other crimes committed against you. I hope my story helps you some.

What will you do? To forgive or not forgive, that is the question. You cannot do it in your own power, and God does not expect you to. He wants you to lean on Him and ask for His strength to do what seems impossible, and that is to forgive. He will help you. I know for a fact He has the power to help, because He did it for me, and there is nothing too difficult for God. Jeremiah 32:17 says, "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You."

Ephesians 4:32 describes the life of one who forgives: "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." This person is kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving.

What does it look like for one who does not forgive? Ephesians 4:31 describes this person who is trapped in the cage of unforgiveness: "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice." The unforgiving person cannot escape these maladies.

Which path will you choose?