“Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13
Can you think of a person who has hurt you? Our natural response is generally to want to get even, hold a grudge, or relish the moment when pain comes upon them. “Payback! They had that coming…” we might think.
The Lord challenges us to have a different spirit about us than what might be our natural reaction toward someone who has hurt us. He asks us to extend grace and forgiveness.
It is humbling to think about how much Jesus has forgiven us of. All of our sinful thoughts, actions, feelings, and shortcomings have not only been forgiven, but have been paid for by Jesus. When we begin to grasp the beauty of God’s own heart it produces a transformed heart in ourselves. A heart so intimately acquainted with God’s grace starts to naturally extend grace towards others.
In 2 Timothy 4:16, the Apostle Paul writes, “The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them.” I’m sure Paul felt betrayed. None of his friends stood by his side when he needed it most. That hurts. It reminds me of Christ on the night of His own trial. Friends nowhere to be found.
Yet first Christ, and later Paul, gave an example that we as Christians are to follow. We are to be quick to forgive because we as Christians are gentle, gracious and forgiving people. We should not rejoice in the downfall of our enemy or gloat in their pain.
Jesus said in Luke 6:28, “Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” We are to want the best for even our enemies, to pray God’s greatest blessing over those who have given us our deepest wounds. This is to will and desire their good, their transformed heart, and for them to know and receive the goodness of God.
This can be very challenging, yet this is what followers of Christ do. Think deeply on Christ’s forgiveness in your own life and allow that to soften your heart towards the person who has hurt you. Choose to forgive and start today by praying for that person as Jesus instructed us to do. You can be sure that as you follow Jesus’ instructions, He will do a good work in your heart and healing will begin.