We all need Forgiveness

At one time or another we have all been hurt, used, or abused. We've all been in a situation where we had the choice to forgive someone who hurt us or to hold that against them for the rest of our lives. For some it's easier to forgive and for others they'd rather die than forgive someone who "did them wrong". Why is that? Why is it so hard to forgive someone, why can't we move on? I believe the main reason is selfishness. We are so caught up in who did us wrong and how we can make them pay for it that we miss how much we are actually hurting the other people around us even if they weren't originally involved. It's selfish to think that you don't need to forgive someone because "you don't want to". Do you think you're so much better than them that YOU get to decide whether or not you will forgive them? Let me ask you something, do you think it's actually your place to decide that?

I'm going to share a few verses with you that may change your viewpoint on whether or not you're going to forgive that person in your who you just can't seem to forgive for one reason or another. Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. BUT if you do not forgive men their sins, your heavenly Father WILL NOT FORGIVE YOUR SINS. If that doesn't scare you into picking up the phone right now and calling that person who you are refusing to forgive, whether they asked for it or not, then I don't know what will. Think about it for a second, If God didn't forgive you, you would be in a world of hurt when you died. If God didn't forgive you you would have nothing to live for, nothing to hope for, and no purpose in life. So let me say this one more time, If you don't forgive your fellow brothers and sisters God will not forgive you...

Romans 12:17-29 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay", says the Lord. If you've been hurt before and you think the person who did you wrong got off easy relax, God's got this. God defends his own and if God sees fit, that person will have their own share of trials, but God will take care of it, that's not your job. I've been told multiple times that you don't run away from your problems cause that doesn't solve anything, you stay and face them like a champ. Running from problems that you could easily fix doesn't make you a bigger person, when you run and hold a grudge you're letting the devil win and he loves that.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. There are so many examples of people in the Bible sinning and sinning and sinning and God forgiving them over and over again. If you read Judges you will be amazed by how many times God graciously forgives his people and when I read that I get frustrated and think, 'God, they never learn, just let them go!' but then God gently reminds me that I'm the same way and he has had to continually forgive me every single day.

So if God can forgive us for killing HIS SON, why can't we forgive someone who betrayed our trust, or let us down, or wasn't there for us when we needed them, or abused us. It's all in perspective.

God bless y'all! I hope you have an amazing day! I'd love to hear from y'all sometime if you ever want to talk! Thanks again for reading!

Katelyn