Dear Friends
Forgiveness can often be challenging for us. We hold on to grudges because of the emotional pain, hurt and betrayal associated with the offences we have had to endure. We may even find it more difficult when the person who has hurt us does it intentionally or fails to admit to wrongdoing.
This month, I have one question I’d like you to reflect on: how can we be true and faithful followers of Christ and find it hard to forgive? Most especially when Jesus forgave us and calls us to forgive those who sin against us or hurt us. Discovering this supernatural call to let go and forgive is vital to grow in spiritual maturity. It is more for our benefit than for the persons who have hurt us.
Unforgiveness and the wounds that come from offence and hurt can make you feel bitter, resentful, angry and even lead you to hatred – a path causing you to exhibit feelings contrary to those of the fruit of the Spirit. It says in Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Why do you think we are encouraged to forgive as often as possible in the Word of God?
Matthew 18:21-22 says: “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven
times?’ Jesus answered, ’I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’ ” In Luke 17:3-4, it says: “So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
People around us will always offend, insult, and hurt us (not always intentionally); but the Lord will not necessarily prevent this from happening just because you are His child. It is a test of your character, followership, obedience and transformation when you can walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Remember, Christ’s death was a sacrificial death of love, and right to the very end, He held nothing against those who betrayed Him, spat on Him, hurled insults at Him, tortured Him, and even killed Him. Instead, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” [Luke 23:34]. Can you genuinely follow His example? God wants to see if you can forgive like Him.
You can pray one million times a day that God should not let anyone insult or offend you ever again, and I can guarantee that is a prayer that will not be heard or answered. Why? Throughout scripture, we see the will of God; instead of God removing offence, God calls His people not to be offended and to overcome offence.
Proverbs 19:11 says: “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offence.” We are to overlook offence and refuse to be people who are easily offended. This means taking no notice of the wrongs people do against you, letting it go, refusing to retaliate or take revenge. For me, the best word for this is ‘forgive.’ Jesus expects us to overcome with love and forgiveness.
Apostle Paul goes a step further and not only overlooks offence, but delights in it for the sake of Christ. Look at his words in 2 Corinthians 12:10: “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
We need to learn how to forgive, and the easiest way is to remember that Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 tells us: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” All the sins and wrongs you have ever done and will do, Jesus died for you in your place, took your punishment, the punishment you deserved, and forgave you. Your slate was wiped clean. When He sees you, He no longer counts your sins against you because He loves you. This is the love of Christ. He expects us to see people and not count their sins against them; learn to wipe the slate clean and give people another chance, not condemn them and write them off for life. Jesus said in Luke 6:37: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
“Forgive” is God’s command to us! I pray that the Lord will give you the strength to forgive those who have wronged you. May you move into your place of freedom as you obey this call in Jesus’ name.
Every blessing,
Pastor Sherry Owolabi