“Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
— Matthew 18:21-22
What’s your answer to my question on the title?
Have you ever been hurt by someone, be it through the words they spoke or the action they took against you? The pain is real, I get it! I do not undermine the pain and suffering which you have undergone. But I have also learnt, that holding on to resentment and treading through unresolved conflict with people, would cause further grievances to your health and your life! Research findings from Mayo Clinic and John Hopkins Medical School has found that the act of forgiveness might well be part of the answer to these pain in life.
Jesus spoke in the Bible many times about forgiveness. Jesus practiced forgiveness. He forgave those who sinned against other. He forgave those who sinned against him. Everyday. Jesus taught, ” If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.”
All of us have already a lot to do on a daily basis. It would be wise, not to carry extra burden, unnecessarily. Jesus wants us to be free from the burden of unforgiveness. It is very unpleasant to live through your day with the prick in your heart.
You might want to argue that the person who has done you wrong don’t deserve the forgiveness. You might say that I have already forgiven the person once, but again and again the person did the same wrong to me. Should i forgive the person again?
When Jesus was hanging on the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34 NIV).
Prayer: Dear Lord, Father, please help me to forgive, though many times it can be so hard to let go. Help me remember how You have first shown me grace and forgiveness and how Jesus Himself forgave me. I chose to forgive and receive my healing through Christ. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.