“…forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.” Matthew 6:12
Dare I say that universally, every religion encourages forgiveness. Christians are instructed to follow The Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus states,
“…forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.” Matthew 6:12
Herein lies two critical points. First, to be forgiven we must forgive. Second, forgiveness is a fundamental part of relationships, as expressed by one of the world’s most notable prayers.
The importance of forgiveness in our relationships and community should never be underestimated. Yet, this eludes many. Why is forgiveness so difficult? Perhaps our neurological defense mechanisms thwart us. Humanity’s attempt to avoid injury. Nevertheless, forgiveness is necessary… despite its pain.
What happens when we don’t forgive?
I know someone who never forgave her mother over a prom dress. The woman believed that hers was lesser than her sister’s. Thus, she blamed her mother for the disparity. For years, jealous hysteria clouded their mother-daughter relationship. Her mother forgave hurtful accusations and disrespectful treatment. Although the daughter’s truth is subjective, her resentment was clear. Witnessing her unrelenting and erratic behavior was irritating and uncomfortable.
Relationships lose potential benefits when friction persists. Her unforgiveness was like having a tiny rock in your shoe. The source of pain grew with each step. But her walk through life would have felt better had she taken off the shoe and removed the stone. A loving relationship canceled by cloth purchased for an awkward teen dance long forgotten. This middle-aged child did not forgive her mother. The source… a prom dress.Unless we forgive and release our associated anxiety…the pain becomes heavier than a prom dress.
The weight of unforgiveness hurts everyone.
Our hearts diminish where anger and resentment create a void for forgiveness. Failure to forgive one’s transgressions makes forgiveness more challenging with time. Then what? Live a bitter lonely life? Such ungodly acts further fracture us from one another. We are all imperfect. But we don’t have to be. Proverbs 27:17 offers guidance. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” We need one another. The word of God suggests that we add value, strength, and encouragement to one another. Unforgiveness does the opposite.
Hold tight to Jerimiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Trust that God will grant discernment. He will protect you from abuse and any hindrance to your ability to forgive and release. Family, I Pray that forgiveness fills your spirit, as God intended.
Your birthright is Joy, not heartbreak.
Comments