Forgiven forgiving

So when someone in our lives hurts us in some way and they come seeking forgiveness it’s safe to say we would forgive them right? I mean that’s what we do. What about someone who has hurt us and doesn’t come seeking forgiveness? What if they think they were not doing anything wrong and we were really hurt and we see it that they were wrong? Then what? Is it okay for us to hold our forgiveness until they apologize? What if they never apologize?
There seems to be this thought out there that it’s a sign of strength to hold a grudge against someone when they have done us wrong. WRONG!! Holding a grudge is actually a weakness! It’s harmful to both people in the relationship!
We have no control over what the other person does but we certainly do have on how we react to it. Let’s ask ourselves this. What if Jesus reacted to us like we react to others? Whoa! I don’t know about you folks but when I ask myself that question it hits me where it hurts!! Jesus has forgiven me of sooo much!! I didn’t always have the most apologetic attitude either!! Christians are supposed to be a display to the world of Christ-like behavior right? And how much did he forgive? Did he leave any offense unforgiven in your life, even the really bad stuff? He didn’t mine either!! So if we are forgiven, how can we not forgive anyone else? Colossians 3:12-13 says as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, gentleness, humility and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. It did not say forgive only certain things but it’s okay not to forgive other things! It said forgive as the lord forgave you.
Walking through this life as a forgiven child of God isn’t always easy. Forgiving can be hard. Forgiving ourselves can be hard to! Remember this, that Christ gave his life for us so that complete forgiveness could be ours! Let us who have been forgiven, forgive!! Thank you Jesus for erasing our sins against you!! Help us to erase those things done to us as well!!
Have a grudge free day!!