4 Steps To Forgive Those That Offend You!

Jesus demonstrated forgiveness, how to love your enemy, & love your neighbor. These biblical steps will help you let go of bitterness, resentment, & anger.

Do you forgive your enemies? How often do you forgive those who offend you? Do you tell yourself that the particular offense is unforgivable? Do you choose to hold the hate, pain, and resentment? Why?

Forgive bible scriptures and forgiveness verses all point out that we should be like Jesus and love others by forgiving them. Forgive definition: Forgive means to stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake.

But, there was a time in my life, I found it so hard to forgive and this made me bitter, resentful, and also hostile to an extent it was a burden on me.

This attitude stole my joy and peace of mind. I didn’t like the fact that I was caught in the trap of un-forgiveness and this took away my sweetness. One day, I told myself this isn’t right and this is not the life of God.

Matthew 5:44 “I tell you love your enemies, your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. “

A command of forgiveness in the bible: Love your enemies!

I know this might be quite hard! But, you carry the nature of God which is love. Love helps us to forgive without hesitation because that is our nature as children of God.

Our heavenly father loves us so much that even when we are rebellious and sin, he still love us and shows us his mercy! The biblical stories of the prodigal son and the rebellious Israelites demonstrates how God wants to welcome us back even when we have done wrong. The prodigal son and the Israelites disobeyed God but in his wisdom he kept on bringing them back to himself.

Do you know why? Because forgiveness is the nature of God and if we call ourselves children of God then we should have the same nature of God.

If I say that I’m a child of God, I should have the lifestyle of God and not the opposite. Children of God as called to forgive our enemies. That doesn’t mean living with an abusive man but it means forgiving him in your heart.

When I decided to hand over my bitterness to God he strengthen me. I was too weak to do it alone so I needed to pray for God to give me strength to do it. Confess it as a weakness to your heavenly father and he will have mercy on you and strengthen your weakness.

“If we confess, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Un-forgiveness is not just a weakness but a sin.

God forgives us when we forgive others. “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins your heavenly father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15

With God’s help, I was able to forgive without it feeling impossible, though it wasn’t easy. I must confess, to get through the hard process you have to constantly remind yourself that you carry the nature of God which is love.