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?” [22] Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” — Matthew 18:21-22
Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the “betrayer” to get hurt. The problem with this is that you are the only one suffering when you hold on to hurts.
- What good does bitterness do for us?
It actually separates us from experiencing the full love of God. Part of the way God shows love for us is in His mercy and grace. Once we repent, He forgives immediately and we receive the blessing.
When we withhold forgiveness towards someone, we are blocking the blessings God has for us and the perpetrator.
So, who do you need to forgive? I’m not saying you have to call them up and tell them (ask God what He wants you to do).
In my book, I shared a story about how I called my stepdad and actually asked for forgiveness from him for holding on to his wrongs for so many years. I was so scared to get on the phone call, but afterwards I felt a huge boulder off my shoulders. It changed my relationship with my mom, myself, and my husband all for the better once I was able to let go and truly forgive.
If you're struggling to forgive, ask God to give you the strength. He will give you what you need if you continue to lay the burdens and the hurt at the loving feet of our Father God.
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Written for Devotionals Daily by Cayla Craft, author of What Do You Really Want?
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Your Turn
Who do you need to forgive? You already know who it is without even thinking hard. Ask the Lord today to give you the grace to forgive. If that’s not where you are today, ask Him for the grace to want to forgive. ~ Devotionals Daily