When we are unforgiving, it harms us more than the person we don’t forgive. In Mathew 6:14-15 Jesus said this:
“If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”
Reasons we won’t forgive:
- The other party hurt us too greatly
- They don’t deserve forgiveness
- Forgiving them does not make my situation
better - They have not asked for forgiveness
Even if these reasons are true, refusing to forgive leaves our sins open to God’s judgment. That is
far worse than what another person can do to us. Letting go of rage and hate cleans up our mind and conscience, relieves our anxiety and changes our attitude.
Grudges and animosity corrode our personalities, drive others from us, and ruin our testimony as Christians. Grace is ‘unmerited favor’. We don’t deserve God’s favor, but he grants it. The person we forgive may not merit our favor. But as we have received grace, we offer grace.
We don’t keep our grace a secret. That won’t bless the person we forgive. We let them know that as we have received God’s grace, we extend it to them. It usually takes away their animosity toward us.
Our society is highly contentious right now. Clearly, fellow citizens are not forgiving those who showed them disfavor or prejudice. Others are accusing us and we are accusing them. Neither
party relents. If we are ‘One Nation Under God, Indivisible’ let us do what God calls us to do under
His rule, ‘Love one another as I have loved you.’ And ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Knowing
God has forgiven us is the best blessing we have. Let’s not forfeit it with unforgiveness.
John Pisula, Grand Knight: [email protected]
Joe Cox, Council Lecturer: [email protected]
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