When Forgiveness is a Fight

I’ve been there.

In general I am usually quick to forgive. I can often logically think about a situation and put myself in the other persons shoes. Even though I may not agree and even be hurt by what they did, I can usually understand why they did it. This is a benefit of being a primarily cognitive and logical person...

It helps me forgive faster.

But there have been a couple of situations that have been very different. “Coincidentally” both situations have to do with money. Both times they happened when my family was in a tight financial season and I felt wronged by someone close to us who wasn’t giving us the money that was rightfully ours.

For me, this is where the rubber meets the road of forgiveness. In the moments when your stability, insecurities, safety, triggers, or way of life is threatened, forgiveness can be extremely difficult.

It may not be possible for a one and done moment of forgiveness.

It may be a conscious battle.

When feelings and frustrations arise when the wrongdoing is remembered, how do you combat it?

There are two things I know to do when walking out forgiveness is a fight:

Lay it down again, the person and the problem.
Pick up the truth to feed your soul and spirit.

The bible is full of passages on forgiveness. These tell us what forgiveness is, what it isn’t, and what it does. Things like…

Forgiveness is ongoing and never-ending.

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” – Matthew 18:21-22

God puts forgiveness in your court.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

Unforgiveness hurts us.

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25

If you are walking the road of forgiveness and you are finding the path difficult, I want to fuel your your forgiveness journey with these seven scriptures. Get your free printable here.

>Print them out.

>Put them up.

>Ponder the principles and the heart behind the words.

And then…

>Pray them out loud!

Friend, forgiveness may still be a fight for a season, but you will be armed with the truth that will make you free.

I'm cheering you on,