To Forgive or Not To Forgive – That is the Question?

Some time ago, our doorbell rang and we opened the door to a familiar yet not so familiar face. Emma, normally upbeat and full of life, was now standing before us with a blank, emotionless face and eyes filled with anguish. Something was dreadfully wrong.

In the next two hours Emma poured out her heart. She had been in a serious relationship that recently ended, leaving her feeling violated and betrayed. The wound was deep. The betrayal had gone public when her boyfriend announced on Facebook that he was now in a relationship with another man. She was devastated. As we showed her God’s perspective on her situation and led her through the protocol for finding peace, the lights began to come on in her eyes and we witnessed an incredible transformation take place in Emma.

Emma’s story is a common one. Everyone, at some time, has been hurt and has felt the sting of betrayal and offense. It’s universal. Yet unlike Emma’s story, it often takes years before someone finds the peace and release that Emma found in one evening. Why does it seem to take forever to recover from wounds? What is the key that unlocks the door to peace and freedom after we have been wounded? The answer is found in the very core of the Gospel message. The answer that set Emma free is forgiveness.
C.S. Lewis said “Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.” It is certainly a lot easier to receive forgiveness than it is to extend it to those who have hurt us. Yet God expects that forgiven people forgive others. When we don’t, we will continue to experience torment and a lack of peace. It’s that important to God.

Are you struggling with past wounds you just can’t seem to recover from? Does your heart lack peace? Is the name of someone specific coming to your mind? What’s your preference today, peace or anguish? To forgive or not to forgive? That’s your choice. Personally, I have tried it both ways. I recommend peace.

PRAYER: Lord, help me lavish forgiveness on others as You have lavished forgiveness on me.

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses,” Matthew 6:14-15 KJV.

Today’s devotional is by Bruce Hebel, Pastor of ReGen Fellowship in Tyrone, Georgia, Adjunct Professor at Carver Bible College, and President of ReGenerating Life Ministries. He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and has served in ministry for over 35 years.