Does forgiving someone that hurt you mean you also forget that hurt and trust them again? The Bible mentions forgiveness in numerous verses throughout the Bible. Matthew 6:14 and Ephesians 4:32) are just two I’ll share. Unforgiveness can hinder your relationship with God. It can cause bitterness that gets deep-rooted and causes unhappiness in you. Forgiveness is what God wants us to do, as He forgives us for the things we need His forgiveness for. Let’s be real we all need forgiveness at some point in life. But, does forgiving mean you have to forget the pain someone may have caused you and those feelings of anger may have caused you for weeks, years, or even decades? No, the Bible doesn’t tell us that to forgive is to forget. However, once we have truly forgiven in time, we learn to let go of the pain, hurt, etc. That’s one of the gifts that I think comes from God when we forgive. You have heard the saying unforgiveness is like drinking poison but expecting it to affect the one that caused your hurt/anger. It never bothers them, they have moved on and you’re stuck on your own emotional roller coaster.
I’ve had to forgive things that cut me so deep I still hurt from it, but, I have forgiven and still pray for those that betray me. I had to love myself enough to let go of what was hurting me over and over again in my mind. What is done once can hurt you one million times in your mind, it can play out over and over. Learning to let it go and allowing God to have it, a little piece at a time will be a huge blessing to your heart and your health, as well as your emotions. No matter who it was, or what they have done, forgive from your heart and ask God to assist you with that forgiveness. It is impossible to go to the Lord God for forgiveness for yourself when hold so much unforgiviness for others in your heart. It all sounds good on paper, and it is no easy task for many. It wasn’t for me. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, forgive the ones that hurt me so deeply. It’s a process of ongoing understanding of what true forgiveness can do for you and your life. It truly is amazing.
If you can’t let go of that hurt start by praying for God to show you how to release it and forgive. Each day thank Him for helping you to forgive those that you need to forgive. Then if you still harbor ill will after a time of forgiveness ask God to help you let it go, He will, and oh how much better you will feel without that bitterness eating you alive. Trust me here, ok? I talk the talk because I have walked that walk. Have a blessed Monday!
