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Whether you're dealing with a romantic partner, friends, family members, work associates or others,
there will come a point in time where they will offend you and you will need to forgive them. Though
Matthew 6:12 (NIV) clearly reads, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors,"
lots of believers ignore that scripture.
For some, these words have lost all meaning. We are simply saying them, rather than acting on them.
Have we truly forgiven those who we believe owe us an apology?
If you are struggling with letting go of the wrongs someone committed against you, here are 5 Bible
verses you need to meditate on:
1. Mark 11:25 (NIV) - “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive
them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” It is hypocritical of us to expect God
to be so forgiving of our sins, when we are so unforgiving of others’.
2. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NIV) - “Love… keeps no record of wrongs.” Sometimes, it isn’t what the
person has done at this very moment alone that upsets us. It is every other mistake they’ve made,
combined with the most recent offense, that keeps us steaming. We’ll convince ourselves that we’ve
forgiven them many times before, but if you’ve truly forgiven someone, every dirty deed they have
done will not resurface on your tongue the moment they hurt you.
3. Matthew 7:12 (NIV) - “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this
sums up the Law and the Prophets.” If you hurt someone, intentionally or not, you wouldn’t want it to
be held against you. Show others the compassion you would want to be shown if it was you who
messed up. Sometimes, the person may not realize they are in the wrong, or you may have
misconstrued their words or actions. Always give the person the benefit of the doubt, and forgive
freely.
4. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) - “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as
in Christ God forgave you.” We are not to forgive others because they deserve our forgiveness, but
rather, because Christ forgave us. It is by His grace that we are saved from the penalty our sins
warrant (Romans 6:23), not the fact that we are deserving of His forgiveness. If our salvation was
based on how deserving we are of Christ’s love, none of us would be saved.
5. Matthews 6:15 (NIV) - “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your
sins.” We damage our relationship with God when we refuse to forgive. Of course, being unforgiven
by our God should not be our only motive for forgiving one another. The grace we receive from our
Father should motivate us to forgive those like us, because we have all offended someone at one
point or another, and we all need forgiveness.
Don’t let your emotions rule you and don’t sin in your anger (Ephesians 4:26). Be willing to forgive,
even when an apology is not given. That way, your conscience will be clear and nothing will hinder
your relationship with God.
Are you having trouble forgiving someone for an offense? Though it isn't easy, God requires
forgiveness. So let Empowering Everyday Women Ministries to stand in faith with you for the strength
and courage you need to let the offense go. We know God is able! Click here to request prayer.
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