What are you hanging onto? Remember when that person hurt you, talked about you behind your back, or to your face and it got under your skin? How about when they said that they were your friend and they loved you but gossiped about you behind your back and you found out. These amongst other digs are hard to move passed and get over. It’s natural to be hurt and replay these things over and over in your mind, but carrying these things for years will harm you. They may harm your outlook on future relationships and your relationship with God. Deep offenses should not be carried. It’s okay to be hurt but you must move on. Forgive them and ask God for the strength to move on. Also in some situations just because you forgive them doesn’t mean to go back and have a close relationship with them. Forgive them, pray for them and leave them alone. The bible tells us in Colossians 3:13 (NLT), “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Key POINT: Christ says, “If you forgive those who sin against you your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15 NLT)
Don’t allow your offenses to keep you from the forgiveness God has extended to you. Live your best life, don’t let the nastiness of others hurt your relationship with God, it’s not worth it. Whether they choose to apologize to you or not, still forgive them, live your life.
NLT=New Living Translation