Offering forgiveness to those who have hurt us is not easy. I think it is safe to say that many of us have been in a situation where we know we need to offer that forgiveness, but we hurt so badly that we feel the person receiving our forgiveness doesn’t deserve it.

Every communion Sunday when Pastor Daren reminds us of what Jesus went through to forgive us for our sins,  I can’t help but think how selfish I am when I struggle to forgive someone who has hurt me. Scripture reminds us that if we don’t forgive, we will not be forgiven by our Father. Forgiveness relieves our hearts from anger, bitterness, resentment, and hurt. Forgiving someone even when we feel they may not deserve it, is being obedient to our Lord.

Romans 12:17- Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.

Ephesians 4:32- Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Mathew 6:14- For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Mark 11:25- And when you stand and praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Proverbs 17:9- Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.

Daniel 9:9- The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against Him.

Luke 6:27- But I say to you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.

I pray we remember the image of Jesus on the cross and everything He went through to forgive us our sins even when we did not deserve it.

Blessings,

Melissa King