Forgive, just as Christ forgave you.

Colossians 3:13 (CEV)

 

We cannot experience the joy of being forgiven and set free by God if we are not forgiving towards others. In the parable of the unforgiving servant (cf. Matthew 18:21-35), Jesus wants us to treat one another with undeserving grace and mercy, just as God has treated us. Of course, this is difficult without Him working His love and grace within us.

Forgiveness is the gift of writing off the debt that others owe us for failing to meet our needs or for not being the person we thought they were. It is saying to them, “I have received more than I deserve, and I have more than enough to share with you.”

Choosing to let go of our bitterness and grievances enables us to walk in the fullness of life and love of God. The Enemy will then be unable to use our fleshly thinking or weaknesses against us. Keep in mind that letting go is not about forgetting the wrong but surrendering the wrong to God.

Without forgiveness and letting go, our cry for justice will become perverted and twisted into hateful revenge. If you have been wronged by others, God will vindicate you and bring about justice for you. Do not cloud your mind with hateful thoughts or sully your hands with revenge; instead, leave everything in God's hands. By doing so, you grow the godly habit of overcoming evil with good rather than being overcome by it.