Answers
By Billy Graham • August 29, 2017 • Topics: Forgiveness
Q:
Why bother forgiving someone who has hurt you very deeply, when they say it's all your fault and they don't need to be forgiven for anything? That's the situation with my ex-husband and me. I admit I'm still bitter, but I also know I need to move on with my life. Can God help me?
A:
Yes, God certainly can help you—and He wants to help you, because He knows far better than we do what happens to us when we allow bitterness and anger and hatred to take root in our minds and hearts. They are like deadly poisons, eating away at our thoughts and emotions, and keeping us from becoming the people God wants us to be.
This is one reason why it’s important to forgive those who have hurt us—even if they deny it, or refuse to accept our forgiveness. We may not be able to do anything about their attitude (except to pray for them), but we can do something about ours—and it’s important to do so. The Bible says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger. … Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).
How can we overcome our feelings of hurt and bitterness, and truly forgive those who have hurt us? The key is to remember what Christ has done for us. We don’t deserve God’s forgiveness; we have sinned and repeatedly turned away from Him. And yet Jesus Christ still gave His life for us, and now in His mercy, God offers us the free gift of forgiveness and new life.
By faith accept Christ’s gift of forgiveness today. Then ask Him to help you forgive others, just as He has forgiven you—freely and fully.
