As We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us
- tamarajwanner
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
"I didn't ask for this!"
No one does. The blows of life's unfairness can begin before we enter the realm of this earth. The corruption of genes leave visible and invisible scars because of sin's legacy through generations. Our parents can sin against us in our childhood. Bullies trample our identity in school. Rejection saps our relationships and spoils marriages.
Ever wonder why the God of the universe, the Creator, our Father asks me to forgive? This question chases me until I choose to reflect and ponder the 'why'. Another question I ask is how do I recognize unforgiveness in my own life?
When I spiral into twisted thinking about myself, the other person and life in general, it signals I hold unforgiveness in my heart. The 'wrong' blinks its neon lights at me, mesmerizing me until I can't see anything else. It colours how I see people, not just the person who hurt me.
Luke 23:34-35(CEV) records Jesus' words.
"Father, forgive these people! They don't know what they're doing."
Jesus pronounced forgiveness on the ones putting him to death. Is this a picture for us to carry with us? The people who sinned against us intended to hurt us. When we forgive them we stop their ability to silence us, to destroy us on the inside, to keep us from rising to the new creation we are with Christ.
I left a few links on the bottom which discuss the physical issues that can arise from unforgiveness as well as the positive changes forgiveness leaves in our bodies. Unforgiveness festers into bitterness which poisons us with unbelief that our God is a God of justice and that He is all-knowing. I sometimes think that if God knows all, why did He not prevent the injustice in the first place. One of the articles shares how forgiveness can invite us into a deeper trust in the One who made us. Check it out!
Enjoy!
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/forgiveness-your-health-depends-on-it
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