How many times have we hurt God and said, “Lord forgive me, I will not do it again.” And He forgives us, we fall again, repent and He restores us? Too many times to even count, right? Yet why is it so hard to forgive others when they have wronged us? Why do we harden our hearts and refuse to talk to family members, to good friends and even to those whom we love?

The Bible clearly tells us to forgive those who have hurt us, those who have wronged us, those who have cheated on us, even those who have wrongly accused us and belittled us. We are to forgive as God has forgiven us. When we forgive others, God also forgives all our sins. But when we do not forgive, our Heavenly Father will also not forgive us. 

Why do we withhold forgiveness when we ourselves have been forgiven much? Is it because of pride, the fear of getting hurt again, or being afraid of trusting God? He knows us. When we forgive, we too are released from our self-imposed prison of hate, bitterness, and anger. We are then free to love and be loved, free to trust again and to start over with a clean slate. 

When God forgives us, “[12] As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalms 103:12 NKJV) We are no longer plagued by the guilt and shame that has haunted us. We no longer need to hide from all the self-condemnation that we place upon ourselves. Our fellowship with God is restored and we are able to come to His throne of grace and worship Him, adore Him and sing praises to His name!

Forgive, just as God has forgiven you and be set free. God desires for us to be able to come to His throne of grace with forgiveness in our hearts and thanksgiving for we too have received His forgiveness. Jesus paid the penalty for all our sins. “[5] But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 NKJV).

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am undone. Forgive me for the many times I failed You. Today, I choose to also forgive for those times I have been hurt by people I love and trust. I forgive them for repeatedly hurting me and doing wrong against me, when all I did was to love them the best way I know how. Help me Lord to also forgive myself for the self-condemnation and guilt trip each time I fall short of expectations, and for sinning against You when I rebel against authority and I dishonor those you have called me to honor. Father God, release me from my prison of hatred and unforgiveness. I forgive, as you have also forgiven me. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. 

 

There is freedom in forgiveness. There is healing in restoration. “[23] Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, [24] leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24 NKJV) When we forgive others, God also forgives us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Purpose in your heart to forgive someone today.