I Forgive

The deed was done; the words were spoken. To me.

Tears filled my eyes; my feelings were hurt. I was mad. Pure and simple. Well, not so pure.

What had I done to deserve this?

I should have said this. Why didn’t I say that?

I replayed the incident in my mind for the umpteenth time.

Finally, I heard a still, small voice. “Forgive.”

Do I really have to forgive this time? Didn’t you see what they did? Didn’t you hear what they said?

“…Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing…” Luke 23:34 (NLT) These words of Jesus kept replaying in my mind.

I’m sure You were right when You prayed that prayer; but in my situation, I assure You, they knew what they were doing.

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:25, 26 (NKJV)

But…

“…Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:44-45 (NKJV)

I had a choice to make; I could hold this grudge or I could forgive. I must admit I held the grudge for a day and a half before I decided to forgive.

Okay. I forgive. Whether they knew what they were doing or not, I let it go. I trust You to take care of me. I can forgive because You have forgiven me.

It’s not easy, this thing called forgiveness. But living with bitterness isn’t easy either.

I have been forgiven much; therefore, I forgive.