How to Forgive

To forgive and forget isn’t a biblical practice. The pain of betrayal may lessen in intensity over time, but that doesn’t guarantee complete forgetfulness. Forgiveness doesn’t always come easy. A small “paper cut” of offense may be more easily forgiven than a “deep, internal wound” of pain that may require more than just a thin bandage.

Forgiveness is an individual choice that can be difficult; however, the process of forgiveness can be readily understood with the acronym A-B-C:

A – Acknowledge that we’ve been offended. (Psalms 57:2-3)
It’s not Christian to pretend we aren’t offended. Instead, we cry out to God for His help, comfort, and deliverance. He wants us to come and receive wisdom for our next steps. We don’t pretend; instead we pray, knowing that God hears and understands our pain.

B – Be honest with God and others about our feelings. (1 Peter 5:7; 2 Corinthians 13:11)
God understands when we know that we should forgive, but our hearts are still hurt and angry. We can pray honestly about the desire for obedience but the struggle of letting go. God will bring us to the place of forgiveness as long as we are open to allow the Holy Spirit to do the internal healing on our hearts and minds.

C – Choose forgiveness out of obedience in the grace given by God. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Forgiveness begins and ends with God. Many times a perpetrator won’t admit they have done something wrong. Instead of dealing with their unrepentant heart and attitude, we deal directly with God. He gives us the grace to choose forgiveness over our feelings. We then will experience a deeper measure of God’s peace.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I’m struggling with forgiving this person. I need Your grace to lead me to the right steps of forgiveness in the right time. I know I will overcome this mountain with help from Your Spirit. Amen.

In His Service,

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