Be Quick To Forgive

We all know we should be quick to forgive, but how many of us actually follow Jesus' example of this? How often have we justified our anger or hurt feelings in order to hold on to them? How many times has someone told us we needed to let go of something and we say "yeah BUT...." because we're not ready to forgive? I know I've done this, haven't we all?

We replay the negative conversations or situations over & over in our minds which only feeds into what the devil wants which is for us to stay in that negative mindset. Yet God tells us we need to be quick to forgive, repent of our sin & apologize for our own wrong doings.

Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

What prevents you from forgiving quickly?

Not one person is without sin and when we keep this perspective it's makes it easier to forgive others. The minute your ego tries to justify your negative thoughts about another person or situation immediately think about a time when you needed forgiveness yourself.

Trust me, every time I do this I'm humbled. James 4:10 is a great reminder of this "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

What happens when we don't forgive others?

We block our own forgiveness right?! We prevent God from being able to give us the grace we need.

Mark 11:25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Friends, I encourage you to soften your hearts and to offer grace to those who need it instead of trying to justify why you shouldn't have to. Can you imagine if God thought this way about us? We would all be in trouble wouldn't we? Is forgiving easy? Not always, but it's necessary!

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Allow God the opportunity to humble and teach you through the forgiving process.

Psalm 25:9

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them the way.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime