Pretty LiesSample

Lie: You Don’t Need to Forgive Others. They Don’t Deserve It

The enemy often tries to deceive us into believing that forgiveness is unnecessary or that certain people don’t deserve it. This can keep us trapped in bitterness, and hinder current and future relationships

Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Our forgiveness should mirror the forgiveness that we have received from God.

Jesus even speaks on this topic in Matthew 18. Peter asks how many times should we forgive. Jesus responded with, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.” Maybe a tough thing to think about. Jesus is saying that forgiveness should be limitless, and not whether the offender deserves to be forgiven or not. Jesus never suggests forgiving someone, but he actually commands it. By forgiving others we may feel like we are releasing others, but we really are releasing ourselves. It allows our heart to begin healing.