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How to Forgive… Even When You Don’t Want To

Growing up, I had a difficult relationship with my biological father. When I was 20 years old, he said horrible things about me… and to me. Unforgiveness was eating up my life—even as a Christian. Fortunately, through God’s grace, I was able to forgive him and he even surrendered his heart to Christ at the end of his life! But forgiveness is not always easy.

Perhaps you’ve been hurt or offended by someone recently and you’re wondering how to forgive… even when you do not feel like it.

Did you know the very first words Jesus spoke from the cross were a prayer of forgiveness to His Heavenly Father? In Luke 23:34, Jesus says, …“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”…

Friend, through uttering these powerful words, Jesus met man’s greatest need—forgiveness of sin. That’s why Jesus came—to forgive us and give us life! Through His forgiveness, we can choose to forgive those who have wronged us. You see, forgiveness is an act of our will that begins with knowing how Christ has forgiven us.

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As you engage with God’s Word:

● What is God saying to you?

● What does it mean to you?

● What action step do you need to take?

After you reflect on these questions, bring everything to God in prayer.