4 Good Reasons to Forgive

 

A little boy was sitting on a park bench in obvious pain. A man walking by asked him what was wrong. The young boy said, “I’m sitting on a bumble bee.”

The man urgently asked, “Then why don’t you get up?”

The boy replied, “Because I figure I’m hurting him more than he is hurting me!”

How many of us handle forgiveness like this little boy? We endure pain for the satisfaction of believing that we are hurting our offenders more than they are hurting us. When we get off the bench of unforgiveness, both parties can begin to realize relief from their pain.

Here are four really good reasons to forgive:

1. We’ve been forgiven more times than we can remember.

“As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.” -Psalm 103:12

When it comes to forgiveness, remember this truth: Debtors should never become collectors. Always, always be mindful of how much the Lord has offered forgiveness to you…freely and without resentment. Isn’t He a wonderful Savior?! But where much has been given, much is required. And, nowhere do we see that more profoundly than when it comes to forgiveness.

2. Jesus did it, so we should too.

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” -Luke 23:34

Jesus was quick to forgive others. Even in the midst of being brutally tortured and killed, He was asking the Father to forgive those who were assaulting Him. Unthinkable! Of course, we know that Jesus is our example in all we do, so it stands to reason that we are called to forgive others too.

3. Forgiving others takes back control of your mind.

“…and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5

Forgiving others allows you to take control of your mind. It is so easy to hold onto anger and resentment towards someone who has hurt you. But when you do, it’s like giving them power over you. They can control your thoughts and emotions simply by being in your head. When you’re able to let go of the negative feelings you have toward someone, you’re no longer giving them power over you.

You’re choosing to be the one in control.

Forgiving others can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that holding onto anger and resentment is only going to hurt you in the end. If you can find it in your heart to forgive, you’ll be freeing yourself from the mental and emotional burden that withholding forgiveness can cause.

4. Forgiving others begins the healing process.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” -Psalm 147:3

Forgiving others begins the healing process. By forgiving, we let go of pain and anger, and we open ourselves up to healing.

The act of forgiveness can be restorative, both for the person who forgives and for the person who is forgiven. When we forgive, we are released from the past and can move forward with our lives.

If you are struggling to forgive someone, it is important to reach out for support to a pastor, trusted friend, or counselor. There are many resources available to help you through the process of forgiveness.

Remember, forgiveness is a journey, and it takes time. Allow yourself the time and space to heal, and you will find that the weight of resentment and pain will slowly be lifted.