In a world of hurt, the practice of forgiveness can often be one of the most difficult challenges for anyone of us. Pain caused by others can lead to deep emotional wounds that seem impossible to heal. However, as Christians, we are called to forgive as God has forgiven us.
Matthew 6:14-15 says, For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
As young Christians, we must learn to practice forgiveness in a world that often encourages revenge, bitterness, and holding grudges. This is a difficult task, but one that is necessary to fully embrace the message and love of Jesus Christ.
To practice forgiveness, we must first understand what forgiveness is and what it is not.
Forgiveness is not excusing the wrong or pretending it never happened. Rather, forgiveness is acknowledging the hurt, choosing to let go of the anger and resentment, and no longer allowing the offense to control your thoughts and feelings.
Forgiveness is also not dependent on an apology. Often, the person who hurt us may not even acknowledge or understand the pain they caused. However, forgiveness is a personal choice, regardless of the actions of others.
Forgiving someone does not absolutely mean forgetting the pain they caused. It is important to remember the lessons learned from the experience and to set boundaries for the future to protect ourselves from any harm.
In today's world, forgiveness is more important than ever. From political divisions to racial tensions to personal conflicts, it can be easy to hold onto anger and bitterness. However, these negative emotions only lead to more hurt and division.
As young Christians, we must be the ones who lead the charge in promoting forgiveness. We must look to Jesus as our example and inspiration. Jesus, who forgave His own executioners as He was dying on the cross, and who taught us to love and forgive our enemies.
Here are some practical steps to help you practice forgiveness:
1. Acknowledge your feelings - It is important to recognize your hurt and acknowledge that you have been wronged.
2. Pray for the person who hurt you - Pray for God's love and grace to fill their hearts.
3. Seek support - Talk to a trusted friend, youth leader, or counselor about your feelings.
4. Focus on the positive - Look for the good that can come from the situation and how it can help you grow and learn.
5. Practice self-care - Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Forgiveness can be exhausting, and it is important to take care of yourself as you work through the process.
In conclusion, practicing forgiveness in a world of hurt can be daunting, but it is a key tenet of Christianity and essential to our own growth and peace. We must remember that it is a choice that we make for ourselves and not to benefit others. We must also understand that forgiveness is not a one-time event, but a continual process of letting go of the pain and choosing love over hate.
Let us continue to be the examples of forgiveness and love in this world. As Romans 12:18 says, If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.