Three Reasons to Forgive

In Colossians 3:13 I read, “Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (NLT)

The Bible says there are three reasons I have to let go of my past and forgive the people who’ve hurt me. And those reasons have nothing to do with whether those people deserve it or not.

1. I have to forgive those who’ve hurt me because God has forgiven me. Colossians 3:13 says, “Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (NLT). If I want to be a forgiving person, I first need to accept the forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ. The Bible says God came to Earth in human form in Jesus in order to forgive everything that’s ever been done wrong. He paid for those wrongs so I don’t have to. That’s Good News.

2. I have to forgive those who’ve hurt me because, otherwise, resentment will control me. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:9, “Only fools get angry quickly and hold a grudge” (CEV). Resentment makes me miserable. It keeps me stuck in the past. And when I’m stuck in the past, I’m controlled by the past. Every time I resent something, I let that thing control me. I may even be allowing people who hurt me five, 10, or even 20 years ago to still hurt me today because of resentment. Don’t let that continue to happen. My past is past. I’ve got to let it go.

3. I have to forgive those who’ve hurt me because I’m going to need more forgiveness in the future. Jesus said, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15 NIV). Forgiveness is a two-way street. I can’t receive what I’m unwilling to give. Don’t burn the bridge I need to walk across to get into heaven.

In summary, the Lord forgave me, so I must forgive others. God’s word tells me there are three reasons I have to let go of my past and forgive the people who’ve hurt me. And those reasons have nothing to do with whether those people deserve it or not. I have to forgive those who’ve hurt me because: 1). God has forgiven me. God came to Earth in human form in Jesus in order to forgive everything that’s ever been done wrong. 2). Resentment will control me and make my life miserable. It keeps me stuck in the past. And when I’m stuck in the past, I’m controlled by the past. Every time I resent something, I let that thing control me. 3). I’m going to need more forgiveness in the future. Forgiveness is a two-way street. I can’t receive what I’m unwilling to give. So don’t burn the bridge I need to walk across to get into heaven.

The key to me forgiving others is remembering how much God has forgiven me. Is it difficult to forgive, when God has forgiven me so much. If I keep in mind and realize God's infinite love and forgiveness, it can help me love and forgive others. Let God worry about the wrongs I've suffered. Don't quench my life in bitter feuding; live renewed in love and joy. I must be willing to forgive when I feel I’ve been hurt or attacked. Father, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day and activities, my interactions with others, for my future job role preparation and for leading a small group. These things I ask in your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.