Forgiveness: What Makes It Easier?Sample

Forgiveness: It takes Prayer

Forgiveness can be difficult, particularly when offenders do not recognize or acknowledge the wrong they have done. It is also difficult to forgive when death or life-altering situations are involved. God is not ignorant of the various events that make forgiveness difficult. When it is hard to forgive, please remember 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (KJV) says: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 

The truth is that unforgiveness exalts itself against the knowledge of God because it hinders our spiritual growth and it is disobedience to God. God instructs us to forgive. The Bible says, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”~ Ephesians 4:32 (KJV) and “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” ~Matthew 6:14(KJV).

When it is hard to forgive, bring into captivity every thought that would justify unforgiveness. Bring into captivity every negative thought about others. When it is hard to forgive, ask God for grace to forgive. Grace is the empowerment to do those things that are naturally difficult. The gospel of grace is not about doing bad things we can get away with. It is about what God can do through broken and yielded vessels.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for forgiving my sins. I repent for the sin of unforgiveness. In the name of Jesus, give me the grace to quickly forgive and love unconditionally. I bring into captivity every thought of unforgiveness. I receive the grace to think good and lovely thoughts about those who offend me.