Bridget A. Thomas
Every day is a gift!
Luke 17
Read Luke 17 in your Bible. Or you can also read it here.
In this chapter, Jesus talks a bit about forgiveness. In verse 4 it says, “Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
It can be difficult to offer up this level of forgiveness, especially when we are relying on our own strength. Our pride will want to hold onto a grudge when someone hurts us. But the truth is that when we hold onto unforgiveness, we are harming ourselves. Bitterness grows in our hearts and turns us into a sour person.
Forgiving others isn’t easy. But as children of God, we have the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of us. When we tap into that power, we can reach new heights and achieve things we can’t achieve on our own. Including forgiving others.
When forgiving other people, it also helps to remember how much God has forgiven us. We do not deserve the free gift of forgiveness. Yet it is handed to us anyway. We don’t have to do anything to earn it. When we keep this in mind, it helps us to also forgive other people who do not deserve it either.
If forgiveness is something you need to work on, check out these two posts: Forgiveness – Part 1 and Forgiveness – Part 2.
I know just saying “you need to forgive” is a lot easier said than done. When people hurt us, it cuts deep. But it is important to remember that forgiveness helps our hearts to heal. It helps us to move on and let go, because we are freeing ourselves from a heavy burden. If you need to forgive someone today, perhaps taking time to pray about it will help you on the road to freedom.
If you are also participating in the Gratitude Challenge, today is day 88 of 100. Keep up the good work!
© 2021 Bridget A. Thomas
Bridget A. Thomas 
Forgiving someone who has hurt us is not at all easy. While reading this I was reflecting on how I deal with forgiving someone. A lot of the times I first distance myself, it helps me not feel all this emotions in such a raw way and that distance gives me some time to put things into perspective and work on remembering the need to not hold into that grudge.
Then again there is a difference in forgiving someone and reconciling with someone.
What you said is so right, prayer is what helps us get to a place to forgive. We cannot do it in our own strength. We tend to hold on to those feelings. God has forgiven us so much and so freely, may we remember that.
Blessings to you my friend 🤗🌺
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I think distancing ourselves is normal, and it does help us to have that time and space to get past the grudge. What you said about “there is a difference in forgiving someone and reconciling with someone” is absolutely right. We don’t necessarily have to choose to be in a relationship with someone who hurt us deeply. We can forgive and still go our separate ways. But I do agree, prayer and clinging to God are how we can get to that point. And remembering how much we have been forgiven too, as you mentioned. That definitely puts things in perspective. Thank you for sharing your insight. Forgiveness is such a deep topic and it takes peeling back layers of emotions to find healing. Blessings to you too! ♥️
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As you mentioned, remembering how much God has forgiven me has helped me to forgive others. It does hurt when people do us wrong but I know I have been guilty of doing others wrong at times. I am glad God will help us to forgive when we ask. Thanks Bridget!
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Amen! I am so thankful for God’s forgiveness towards us, and for the way He helps us to forgive others. What a loving Father we have!! 🥰
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