"For it is God who works in you to will and to act to fulfill his good purpose." Philippians 2:13
Forgiveness Isn't Easy
Since it benefits the forgiving one, it should be easy.
Why is it so hard?
An offense against us is a form of debt, and we are rarely willing to forgo an obligation owed because it wars against our innate sense of justice.
If you've been betrayed, how do you get paid back?
What "currency" is available for many of the debts owed?
What if the person you need to forgive is no longer breathing?
How do they pay you back?
The whole forgiveness transaction is deep and complex, not easy.
But it is doable as a follower of Jesus.
Not only have I been forgiven, but He empowers me to forgive others as I’ve been forgiven.
Often, it starts with, "Make me willing, Lord," because my sense of justice says, "No way."
God has commanded forgiveness because it is an essential daily need like eating (think: "Give us this daily bread and forgive us our debts").
He will work it in me since God works in me to will and do of His good pleasure.
It’s a spiritual transaction that God completes since He has the currency to satisfy our and others' debts.
It is a spiritual transaction, but working through your soul will take a while.
Sometimes, the soul takes a long way home.
Your soul is defined as your feeler (emotions), thinker (mind), and chooser (will).
The recovery may take time, depending on the forgiven debt's size and type.
If you have a hard time forgiving someone, consider the following:
Have you asked God to make you willing to forgive?
Is it possible you've forgiven on a spiritual level and not accepted it because your soul is still hurting?
Do you believe that the debt isn't forgivable?
(Some debts are inexcusable, but no debt is unforgivable)
Lord, may we never make what someone has done to us greater than what You've done for us. Let us know Your grace will empower forgiving and the healing You desire for us. Amen