Grief Bites: Finding Treasure In HardshipsSample

Sometimes, when we go through a grief experience, there is a need to forgive those who have hurt of offended us.

Forgiveness and mercy are so important during times of grief because if we do not forgive, we choose to willingly disobey God.

It’s not always easy to forgive though. The greater the offense, the harder it is to forgive.

But, when we choose to forgive others, we find restoration for our own hearts.

The Bible tells us to be careful not to become bitter. Bitterness eats away at our very soul when we refuse to forgive. A lack of forgiveness harms ourselves...and everyone around us.

Forgiveness is NOT condoning another person’s wrong behavior or excusing the wrong they did, and it does not mean we foolishly or continually throw ourselves into a bad situation. Forgiveness is simply a loving courtesy we extend to others because God extends that same love and courtesy to us. It is taking someone off of our hook and placing them at the altar of God...and trusting God to deal with the person in His way and His time.

Something that is helpful in forgiving others is to have a humble spirit and remember how badly we need forgiveness ourselves. We all are in need of forgiveness...especially God's forgiveness...and He helps us to have the ability to forgive. He alone gives us the grace we need to forgive others...especially when we have been greatly hurt or offended. All we need to do is realize how much sin Christ has forgiven in us.

It's not always easy...but if we are to have a close relationship with God, it is necessary.

God shows the importance of forgiving others in Job 42. I think it is interesting that God chose to bless Job only after Job chose to forgive his friends and interceded for them in prayer. That is the exact moment God restored Job...and gave him a double portion of favor. Job was blessed after praying for those who had offended him.

Seek God's heart today. Share with Him how others have hurt you. Ask Him to give you a heart of forgiveness, grace, and mercy. Choose to forgive those who have hurt or offended you and then intercede for them in prayer. Go the 2nd mile and ask God to bless your offender’s life. God has the power to heal your hurts and turn your broken heart into joy...He has the ability to give you the extra measure of grace you need to forgive others.
Forgiveness opens the door to joy, healing, and renewal..

Forgiveness is not always easy. Some hurts run very very deep...but God can truly help us come to the point of releasing our offenders into His hands and finally come to a place of forgiveness.

Prayerfully ask God to help you to forgive others today.