Follow Jesus' Example
Throughout his life, Jesus loved the people who mocked, fought, and tortured him. He forgave even while he was still in pain. When we are experiencing pain inflicted by others, sometimes forgiveness seems unfair. Jesus knows exactly how that feels. When we struggle to forgive, we can ask Jesus to give us his strength and love for others.
Release Your Burdens
Children sometimes carry a toy so long it becomes a health hazard. Comfortable with the dirty item, they’re unwilling to let go, even if a parent offers a significantly better trade. Sometimes we carry a grudge so long it becomes part of us. Like the child, we can only understand the valuable gift of peace God offers if we release that burden.
They Don't Understand
Informing someone you forgave them can do more harm than good if they don’t recognize the wrong or are unwilling to admit they’ve caused hurt. Some individuals are unable to accept truth due to mental, emotional, or spiritual deficiencies. Jesus understood this when he asked God to forgive his attackers, adding, “They don’t know what they’re doing.”
Serve Up Forgiveness
Holiday meals are a buffet of conflicting memories and perspectives. This year, bring a side dish of forgiveness for difficult relatives. Ask forgiveness from those you may have hurt. Family members might notice your ability to interact kindly, so—as 1 Peter 3:15 suggests—prepare to gently explain Jesus’s example of forgiving. Your example could create a whole new holiday dynamic.
Live Within Boundaries
Forgiveness doesn’t equal blind trust. In Matthew 18, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive. Jesus says to forgive over and over. But this doesn’t mean we enable bad behavior, live without boundaries, or trust those who’ve harmed us. Some relationships can heal, but if others aren't willing to make a change, we may need to remove ourselves or limit contact. A counselor can help.
No Record of Wrongs
In Matthew 6, Jesus commands forgiving others. He wants us to be free to serve him. If we carried a record of wrongs, a page written daily would create a 365-page book by year’s end. After five years, the book would block our view of Jesus. How could we see to follow where he leads? God’s servants must forgive to follow him.
