Forgiveness, a Religious Duty?

From a young age, we’re taught to treat others as we would like to be treated. But what if someone treats us in a way they certainly wouldn’t want to be treated? What if our boss mocks us in front of all our colleagues? What if, at family gatherings, our parents or siblings only point out our flaws? Rather than showing us love and lifting us up when we stumble, instead they kick us when we’re already down.

The Bible is very clear on this topic: it tells us to forgive. Not just once. Or twice, if the person seems genuinely sorry. But over and over again, regardless of whether the person feels remorse or even acknowledges any wrongdoing. Why? Does God want us to be helpless victims who can’t stand up for ourselves when others treat us poorly or hurt us emotionally or physically? No. God wants us to thrive, and to do so, we need to learn to forgive. Because as long as we don’t forgive, our wounds cannot heal.

For our own well-being, it is crucial to be able to forgive, even if the person keeps hurting us so frequently that we can barely keep up. People will always disappoint us, and it’s painful. But when we forgive, we can let go. Otherwise, we’re carrying a burden too heavy for us. We weren’t made to bear all these worries, hurts, and disappointments. They don’t just weigh down our hearts metaphorically; they also allow bitterness and hatred to take root, hardening our hearts. Yet Jesus wants to give us, each day, a soft heart—a heart capable of extraordinary love for others, one that continually reaches out to its Savior.

Forgiveness isn’t a religious exercise where God tests your obedience. Forgiveness means accepting the undeserved gift Jesus gave us when He died on the cross for us. For all our hurts, our pain, and our disappointments—He bore them on the cross so we don’t have to carry them and be crushed under their weight. He loves us, and He reaches out to lift us up when we’re down. His love and acceptance empower us to forgive others.

Next Step: Where do you find it hard to forgive others? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you His perspective on the situation, and go to the cross to release all your disappointments and hurts to Jesus, allowing His love and acceptance to fill you.