On Forgiveness

We all have times in our lives when we need a) to forgive or b) to be forgiven. For as long as we’ll be in this sinful flesh we will be hurt or hurt others. Forgiveness is the key to the healing process. Inner peace can never be reached until forgiveness takes place.

And yet, the process of it all is so complex, that I still can’t conclude which is easier: to forgive, or to be forgiven. Even when we think it’s done and over with, we tend to harbour feelings of bitterness. Once bitterness creeps in, it takes root and spreads like a vicious cancer. We continually think about it, reliving it over and over, until it completely destroys us – until it destroys our spiritual life. Bitterness takes away our joy and peace in the Lord and can ultimately put a stop to our Christian walk.

Dealing with forgiveness is difficult. But why?

Have not our sins been fully forgiven through the blood of Christ? How oft do we continually taste of God’s forgiveness!? We serve a most longsuffering God, and yet continually dwell on "what he/she did to me". Maybe if dwelt a little more on what Jesus Christ did for us, forgiveness would come a little more naturally.

~And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Col 2:13-15