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Why is it so hard to forgive? Why do we want to hold onto our anger?
Acknowledgement is a big thing for me. When someone acknowledges their wrongdoing, I am so willing to let an issue go. But if there is no acknowledgement, it’s so difficult! When I don’t feel like the other person knows that they’ve done something wrong or hurtful, I have the hardest time.
But what keeps coming back to my mind is that I don’t forgive them because of who they are or what they do. I forgive them because of who I am.
I forgive them because God has forgiven me.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
And God tells us to extend that forgiveness to others.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
My choice to forgive has nothing to do with that person acknowledging their fault to my satisfaction. It has everything to do with the fact that I’ve been forgiven and I must forgive.
It’s not easy. And even as I say this, I am breathing in and breathing out and trying to let it go.
“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.” – Proverbs 17:9