FORGIVING OTHERS

And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. - Matthew 6:12

Life can sometimes seem like a cycle of entering into and exiting from difficulties. That is part of the reason why we need to remember how Jesus handled His challenges. He never lost sight of His goal. He endured the cross, the shame, and everything in between because He knew where He was headed—a place of honor at the right hand of God.

When our faith is challenged by the pain of things others have said or done to us, it is good to revisit the accounts of Jesus’ endurance. The trials He faced, from being mistreated and misunderstood to being crucified, are a source of strength for us. Reflecting on His journey brings life and hope into our souls and strengthens our faith.

One of the most powerful lessons Jesus frequently taught on was forgiveness. While on the cross, He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34). In Mark 11, after teaching about faith, Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiveness. He tells us to forgive whenever we pray. This implies that opportunities to forgive will be frequent, as life’s challenges often give us reasons to be upset or hurt by others.

Forgiving those who hurt us is not easy, but it is healing and powerful. When someone wrongs us, it’s easy to stay stuck in the pain. But 1 Peter 2:23 tells us that when Jesus’ crucifiers hurled their insults at him, “He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.”

As you choose to do what Jesus did and forgive those who have mistreated you, you are obeying God’s command and allowing yourself to heal and find peace. At the same time your actions will show the amazing grace God has given you, serving as a testimony to His love and mercy.