5 Reasons Why You Should Forgive the Unforgivable

I can’t believe she said that. There’s no way I can ever forgive her.

I can’t believe he did that. I can’t forgive him. It hurts too much.

How can you forgive someone whose choices have forever changed your life?

• The loss is too great.
• The pain is too deep.
• The betrayal is too huge.

And on top of it all, it’s as if they don’t care . . .

• They’ve offered no apology.
• They’ve shown no remorse.
• They’ve spoken no regret.

Why should you forgive the unforgivable?

1. Jesus commanded it.

If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both. 1 John 4:20-21

2. God has forgiven you.

God has chosen you and made you His holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:12-13 (EtR)

3. Jesus said your forgiveness depends on your ability to forgive others.

“Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” Matthew 18:34-35 (NLT)

4. Unforgiveness blocks God’s forgiveness.

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT)

5. Unforgiveness hurts mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

It’s time to stop bringing grief to God’s Holy Spirit; you have been sealed with the Spirit, marked as His own for the day of rescue. Banish bitterness, rage and anger, shouting and slander, and any and all malicious thoughts—these are poison. Instead, be kind and compassionate. Graciously forgive one another just as God has forgiven you through the Anointed, our Liberating King. Ephesians 4:30-32 (Voice)

Forgiveness is never easy, but it’s especially hard when the person who hurts you is someone close . . . someone you love and trust.

I’ve been hurt so deeply I didn’t want to forgive. I was in pain and didn’t know how I could let it go . . .

I started having headaches. I was restless. I had trouble sleeping. I felt awful.

I wish I had forgiven more quickly. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit continued to prompt me until I released my right to hold on to my pain-filled emotions. I let go of the past and allowed the Lord to mend my heart.

I still have scars, but the wounds are healed. Praise God.

Have you forgiven the impossible or are you still holding on to anger and resentment?

Join me tomorrow to find out how to forgive the unforgivable.

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