“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:17-21 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/rom.12.17-21.nkjv
“Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.”
Matthew 5:7 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/mat.5.7.nkjv
““For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Matthew 6:14-15 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/mat.6.14-15.nkjv
Let’s face it. It’s hard to forgive those who have done you wrong. Anger gets stored up and it’s really hard to simmer it down when you have been harmed by others.
I am in the same boat as you. When I have been hurt or harmed by others, I can’t help but be angry. I try to forgive but I find it takes a process of healing first. Yet, I know I must forgive if I want God to forgive me. Then, I am reminded how His thoughts are higher than mine (Isaiah 55 8-9). He forgives and I struggle with forgiving.
I have come to learn I need to lean on God through prayer to help me process full forgiveness towards others. When I pray, He never lets me down. In reality he does all the work to help me heal, forgive and trek forward. I can slowly feel the anger subside and the process of forgiveness begin. In the end, I feel peaceful and able to continue to focus on what’s truly important being Him. His love abounds when I ask Him for help and forgive as He forgives me.
Father,
Forgiveness is hard. Yet, I know that I must forgive as You commanded. If I am to be forgiven, I must forgive. Please help me forgive everyone who has harmed or hurt me. Please continue to soften my heart as I am too weak to do it on my own. Please help me examine anyone I may not have forgiven and help me heal through forgiveness. I wish to leave no loose ends as I know You command me to love others as You love me. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor
Alberta, Canada
