Luke 17:3-4 – 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.”
Forgiveness is mentioned throughout the bible. However, it is very difficult for many people to achieve forgiving others. In today’s world, you might get betrayed or hurt by many different people in your life. People that are the most common to hurt you are family members, spouses, siblings, friends, and co-workers.
Colossians 3:13 – Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
People’s actions and words can hurt you from time to time. Forgiving them sets a good example, frees your spirit from anger and hatred and allows you to focus on your relationship with God.
Sometimes people are repeat offenders which cause you to forgive them over and over again. It is important to understand that all humans have flaws and are doing their best to navigate through life. Bad choices and decisions can lead someone down the wrong path.
A good example of forgiving someone relates to a common issue in many families. Unfortunately, illegal and prescription drugs have caused many people to become addicted. This addiction often alters the user’s personality, state-of-mind and ability to make good choices or decisions.
This dark road often causes the user to hurt family members that truly love them. Sometimes, family members will distant themselves from the user to prevent frequent problems. The issue with this is the user becomes further isolated and begins to think nobody will forgive them for their actions. This helpless feeling often leads to more bad decisions that could put the user’s life in danger.
Showing compassion for someone who is going through a difficult time in life and forgiving them for their mistakes sets a good example for the person going through a difficult time in their life. Keep in mind, everyone makes mistakes. How would you feel if someone never forgave you even when you asked for forgiveness? Remember, we should always forgive others as Christ forgave us.
Ephesians 4:31-32 – Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
