Beginning Forgiveness Journeyናሙና

Forgiveness: Why Does It Matter?

Hey, who hasn't been hurt in life? Who hasn't felt let down? As long as we're in relationships with others, there's always the risk of getting hurt. The closer we are to someone, the more chances that we hurt each other. When we invest ourselves in deep personal relationships, we open our souls to the wounds of another’s disloyalty or even betrayal.

But hey, living alone, isolated, without any connections, is that possible? That's not living at all. Connecting with others, having family, friends, siblings—it's the essence of being human. It's inevitable. And with it comes the risk of friction, of hurting and being hurt. Whether it's harsh words, hurtful actions, betrayal, or maybe even unfaithfulness—it's all part of life.

So, why is forgiveness so crucial?

1. Forgiveness reflects God's own nature and character

Psalm 103:10 says, "He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

As children of God, this nature and character of God become a part of who we are.

2. Holding grudges and harboring bitterness can poison our physical and mental health

Many sicknesses and illnesses are caused by stress, grudges, and bitterness. And let's not even start on mental health. As the saying goes, holding a grudge is like lighting a fire with the intention to burn your enemy, but the flames end up consuming you instead. Or it's like being mad at someone and to get back at them, you drink the poison yourself.

It's forgiveness that sets us free and heals us from these pains.

Is it easy? Maybe not. Forgiveness, especially deep hurt, often takes time. It’s akin to a long journey.

To embark on this journey of forgiveness, first, recognize our identity as children of God, beloved children of a forgiving Father who loves both the good and the bad. Realize and firmly believe that Christ has already fully forgiven us, hence empowering us to forgive others.

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Without the assurance that we are forgiven, it would be tough to take the first step. To forgive out of an obligation is a heavy burden, if not, impossible. But we can forgive because Christ forgave us first. Our capacity to forgive doesn’t come from our own strength and will, or morality, but from the strength of Jesus that enables us.