Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11 NIV
There are a number of times in the Bible where we are told to forgive other people. But sometimes forgiveness is so hard. Especially when the offense was malicious and hurtful, and there is no evident repentance. How can I possibly be expected to forgive someone who has hurt me, and who is not interested in reconciliation? But there is no place in the Scripture that ever gives me an out; an excuse to not forgive. Instead, I find clear instruction and examples concerning the need to forgive. I have never been hurt as badly as Jesus on the cross, or Stephen at his stoning. Yet both of them were able to forgive those who were actively killing them.
Be Willing to Forgive
What is the consequence of a lack of forgiveness? Jesus ties our own forgiveness to our willingness to forgive (Matt. 6:15). And Paul gives us another one here; Satan is not interested in us forgiving others. Our lack of forgiveness hinders our relationship with God, our spiritual well-being, and even our physical well-being. Satan will seek to convince us that forgiveness is not necessary. Or that the offense is too great. Or anything else to keep us in a state of unforgiveness. Don’t let him trick you into holding a grudge or holding onto a hurt. Instead, defeat his schemes with a willingness to forgive everyone, for everything. In doing so you will be outwitting Satan, our adversary.
Disclaimer
The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.
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Thanks for this post. I believe the Lord used this to speak to me regarding a man who broke my heart. He recently proposed to me that he loved me but I just discovered that he was playing with my heart. Dear God I choose not to hold bitterness against him for your sake and I pray that your Holy Spirit shall convict him of his sins. Break his heart so that he turns to you , the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Heal my heart as well and restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, amen.
I do pray that you will find healing and forgiveness for the one who hurt you.