It’s inevitable, somebody will do something that makes us mad, hurts us, offends us, or was just outright wrong.
My brothers and sisters, we must be very careful here because anger, hurt, offenses, and wrongs against us can hinder our walk with God if we allow it to take root and bear the fruit of bitterness.
We all struggle with it. Let’s look at what Peter asked Jesus.
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV)
That implies, we are to forgive someone over and over and over and over. And no, this is not easy to do, but we must.
What are a consequence if we do not?
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25-26)
Whoa! Does it really say that? Yes, it does. The consequence if we harbor a grudge against someone is that our Father will not forgive us of our sins.
This is tough stuff, my friend. But liberating when we release others through forgiveness.
Choose to forgive.
