Have you ever had someone hurt you physically or emotionly and found it very hard to forgive them, have you noticed how it stays with us, it's like a cancer within us, it eats away, it makes us low in ourselves, it effects our health, it can cause us to be depressed, tensed, it effects our mind, we can show anger alot, we may even hurt others because we are hurt. It is difficult to forgive when something bad happens, some people won't forgive even with the small things that happen, like an argument, the nasty word, the money that went missing, the friend who left us, the person who hurt our friend, the one who took over our chair in church, the person who got the job I should of got, there are many reasons we can hold unforgiveness, and there are many things that happen to us that hurt us deep within, and make it very difficult to forgive. but God says:
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. and lead us not into temptation. Luke 11:4
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Peter came to Jesus and asked, Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus replied, I tell you, not 7 times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22
Forgive our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 6:12
When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that you Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25
As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful... Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 63:6-37
Chrissie