Topic(s):  Christian Life, Forgiveness

Todd Clippard

Many times it seems impossible to forgive someone who has committed a terrible wrong against us. I appreciate the desire you have to forgive, and I believe you will be able to forgive if the genuine desire is present.

Ask yourself, "How often do I sin?" Every day? More than once a day? Perhaps many times in a day? Our sins are against the God of heaven (Psalm 51:1-4), who is of utter holiness and purity (Habakkuk 1:13; 1 Peter 1:15-16). Even one sin against God is grounds for utter condemnation and destruction (Isaiah 59:1-2). Yet God gave His Son to die so we might be forgiven. How often do I expect God to forgive me when I sin? I don't know about you, but I want and need forgiveness all the time. I am so glad God wants to forgive me and is willing to do so!

Consider also the consequences of being an unforgiving person. Jesus said, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will forgive your trespasses, but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father in heaven forgive you your trespasses" (Matthew 6:14-15). So, unforgiveness on my part results in a failure to receive forgiveness from God. I have to be willing to forgive someone seven times in a single day (Luke 17:3-4).

If God, who is of utter perfection and holiness, is willing to forgive me every time I sin against Him, who am I to withhold forgiveness from someone who sins against me? Am I better than God? Do I have a right to hold a grudge in light of what God sacrificed to obtain my forgiveness? Never!

Pray about this matter of forgiveness, and ask God's help so you will do what you know to be right.