Forgiveness is a very important part of our lives as we live in a world, where people offend us, or we on the other hand offend people. Either way, forgiveness is needed for us to live in harmony among ourselves. Jesus taught His followers how to pray, and forgiveness is one of the important aspects of prayer- forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
In this we understand that God wants us to forgive others, in the same way, He has forgiven us from our sins. Although it is a difficult thing to do, more especially when we are badly hurt or wounded by someone. When Jesus died on the cross to save our sins, He called out to God asking him to “forgive them for they know not what they do”. Did that take Jesus off the cross? No.
The same way, forgiveness works the same way here on earth today. Just because you forgive someone does not mean you are condoning their actions, nor does it mean that you think the person had the right to hurt you. Despite your forgiveness, there are still consequences your offender must face, but by forgiving them, it releases you from the pain.
Here are a few reasons why we should forgive those who have offended us:
1). Forgiveness sets you free
When you forgive those who have hurt you, you are also setting yourself free. Bitterness keeps us in bondage, it affects our lives in a way we can not even imagine. An unforgiving spirit causes anger, malice and this prevents us from achieving the will of God in our lives.
When we forgive, we set ourselves free from all these things and be able to live a fulfilled life. The joy and happiness will fill our hearts. Remember when you forgive others, you are doing good to yourself.
2). Forgiveness helps us move forward in life
An unforgiving spirit makes us stagnant in life. It will only keep us in the past and we can not move forward to achieve the things God has a destiny for our lives.
But when we forgive and forget, it enables us to look into the future and see the things that God has in stock for us. Forgiveness helps us to move forward in life, in other to accomplish God’s plan for us. Forward ever and backward never.
3). Forgiveness brings healing to us
Most of the sickness in our lives is caused by unforgiveness. When we accumulate hurts and bitterness in us, it results in sickness. Forgiveness helps us to start the healing process in our lives. This is because when we forgive others, God forgives us and His healing power will rest upon us to heal us from every sickness. Bring healing to yourself today, forgive those who have hurt you in one way or the other.
