Forgiving others can be one of the most challenging things we face in life. When someone has caused us or our family pain, our natural reaction is to hold onto feelings of anger and resentment. We may struggle to comply when we are urged to show forgiveness, especially by God. It is hard not to cry out, expressing our disbelief. “God, can you not see the extent of the hurt they have inflicted on me? Do my feelings not matter to you?” This struggle is real, and it is okay to feel this way.
Our natural response is often to retaliate and inflict the same hurt upon someone who has caused us pain. However, despite the reluctance of many to embrace the concept of forgiveness, it is essential to understand that by relinquishing our desire for retribution and turning to God, we can find the peace that our hearts seek. This peace, a soothing balm for our wounded souls, is not just a distant possibility but a tangible reality we can experience.
At times when we experience deep emotional pain and distress, we can take comfort in the knowledge that Jesus Christ, through His ultimate sacrifice, understands the depth of our suffering. Even during the agony of His crucifixion, He demonstrated extraordinary compassion by praying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34 KJ), pleading for forgiveness for those who persecuted Him. This profound act of forgiveness and empathy is a powerful reminder that Jesus possesses an unparalleled understanding of the anguish and adversity we endure.
Matthew 6:15 (NIV) says, But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Our Heavenly Father knows the pain and hurt done to us. He understands our struggles, our feelings, and our journey towards forgiveness. He is always there, ready to guide and help us to forgive others.
Forgiveness is a decision that requires us to acknowledge our hurt and pain without dismissing its validity. When we choose to forgive others, we choose to free ourselves from the burden of carrying that hurt. As we embrace forgiveness, the intensity of our pain gradually lessens, allowing God to renew peace within our hearts. It is important to remember that it is okay to express our struggles with forgiveness to God. He empathizes with our pain and stands by us, offering unwavering support and love as we navigate our journey of forgiveness.
During some difficult moments in my life, I have experienced hurt and emotional pain caused by the actions of others. At times, forgiving someone has been extremely difficult for me, particularly when it comes to situations where someone causes harm to my family. I have found solace in turning to my faith and communicating with God in these trying times. I’ve realized that I cannot go through this alone, and through prayer, I seek strength and guidance to navigate the process of forgiveness. It is not a quick or easy journey, but I firmly believe that by relinquishing our burdens to the Lord, our hearts will gradually find healing and peace.
Prayer Warrior, Spiritual Warfare and writing 
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