This is something I have had to learn about myself – I hold on to hurt. I don’t intend to, I just do, which means that sometimes I have to ask God to help me forgive something several times before I let go of it. And then the devil will remind me of it next time I’m upset so I need to remind myself I’ve given it to God and he’s dealing with it.
If you have a hurt that is nagging at you, give it to the Lord now, don’t wait. And, when it comes to mind again, tell the Lord, remind him that you’ve already forgiven the person and thank him for dealing with it. How many times must we do this? As many times as it takes!
Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked him “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Seventy times seven).
I think what Jesus is saying is, as many times as it takes! Whether it’s for the same sin, or many sins, keep forgiving those who hurt you, because God forgives us every time we hurt him – and we offend him so much with our ways and our words, much more than we know or want to accept. It’s possible we have more to be forgiven than to forgive.
So, forgive now! And keep forgiving, as many times as you think of it, and, eventually, you will realise that you haven’t thought of it for a long time, then you will never think of it again!
Psalm 34 says ‘The young lions lack and suffer hunger, but those who seek the lord shall not lack any good thing.’ One of those good things is forgiveness. When Jesus returns, let us not be found lacking in forgiveness.
This is how I understand my God.
Read for yourself, see what you think.