Do you need to forgive someone? On the other hand, maybe you are the one that is hungering for forgiveness.
The Bible has a lot to say about forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:31-32 says: Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort. Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ.
That is just one of the many scriptures that talk about forgiveness. So, “piece of cake”, right? God makes it clear that we are to forgive, so we do it, right? Unfortunately, that is not always what happens. Sometimes we associate “forgiveness” with approving of what someone has done to us or that it is a sign of weakness. In reality, forgiveness does not mean we condone the wrongdoing and being able to forgive is a sign of personal strength and health. Holding on to bitterness, anger, hurt and hate harms you. Forgiving frees you.
Asking for forgiveness can be hard, also. James 5:16 says: 16 Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.
Sometimes we do not follow through with asking for forgiveness because we are not sure if the other person will forgive us. There is no guarantee of that, but asking is still important, because it will help to free us. As you know, from the scriptures, God forgives and confessing to Him could make all the difference.
In my life there are many things I regret doing. Not being able to forgive myself for those things was overwhelming, until I asked forgiveness from God. When I did that, I knew I also had to forgive myself, so I could let go of the guilt and regret that had trapped me.
Forgiveness is necessary.
Dear God, You have made it clear how essential forgiveness is. Help us to forgive others, ask forgiveness from You & others and forgive ourselves. Amen
Leila Denton