Forgiving other people is hard. Definitely when we know that they do not deserve it. But if we choose not to forgive, then we are choosing to hold onto the pain, misery, discontentment, and unhappiness that holding a grudge brings upon our soul. In doing so, we are not only hurting ourselves, but are hurting those around us as well. When we choose to forgive though, we are releasing all of the negative emotions around us, and are choosing to seek happiness and what is best for all involved. We are choosing to walk closer to God, and live a life more like Him.
Here is what choosing to forgive others does to our lives.
1.Brings us peace
Whenever we forgive others, we are not only doing it for the person who hurt us, but are doing it for ourselves as well. By choosing to forgive, we become at peace knowing that we no longer have to deal with the negative emotions that once filled us with hatred, selfishness, and anxiety. We are able to live peacefully knowing that there is no more strife against us.
2.Shows true love to others
There is no greater love than of that shown when someone forgives another. Forgiveness goes against all a person wants to do. It chooses to love, forget, and show compassion to a person that deserves the opposite. To a person of whom most would choose to hold a grudge against if they would have done the same to them. Forgiving others is a true display of love. A type of love that the world needs more of.
3.Fixes broken relationships
Forgiving is the first step to healing a broken relationship. It is setting aside our pride and egos and choosing to love someone regardless of what they have done to us, because we realize that that person makes mistakes like we do. We realize that a relationship with that person means so much more than allowing their mistakes to control how we feel about them. Forgiveness makes it possible to love them again.
4.Moving on with life
By forgiving, we begin the process of healing ourselves. We realize that we are not able to change the past by being bitter, but are able to change the future by forgiving. It brings us happiness and a sense of relief to our souls that leaks into other aspects of our lives. Forgiving brings upon us a new outlook on life.
5.Living in the image of Christ
The most important reason for forgiving others is so that we are living in the image of Christ. He has forgiven the inexcusable in us, so why can’t we choose to forgive others? In no way could we be living a life for Christ if we accepted His forgiveness, but did not try to give out that same forgiveness to others. In the process of forgiving others, we are letting the love of God shine through us.
Forgiving others can be difficult, painful, and sometimes even scary. Choosing to forgive someone means that we must open up our hearts again to someone who has already hurt it. It is okay though. Forgiving someone is not all for them anyways. It is for us. So that we may live a life of love. To live a life that God has called us to live.
