Forgiving the Inexcusable?

Forgiveness; why is this such a hard concept for so many of us? I dare say, most humans?

I really don’t know about you, but I’m one of those who struggles with just letting offenses just roll off me like water off a duck – even though I’ve done a lot of recovery work since my early 20s. Yes, I know I was shaped by my early years, however, I have also learned it is my responsibility to seek healing from God, He so freely offers when I seek Him.

So, even though it’s hard to admit it, at times, I have wanted to be able to get justice for the offenses. 

But that’s not what God wants of me or you. Remember the “Lord’s Prayer”? Here’s a short article (30+ Bible Verses About Forgiveness – Top Scripture Quotes | Bible Study Tools ) with several scriptures to meditate on (and ask God to help us apply when we struggle – ask Him – He does).

Lord, I confess that I often want to take some moral high ground – that doesn’t even belong to me – when I’m offended by others. I realize this is not a suggestion, but a command from You: to forgive. You have forgiven in me, the sin I can not atone for, so how can I claim any kind of high ground and not forgive others? I can’t. And yet still, the mystery of allowing You to handle the offenses brings me a peace I can’t even comprehend. Your ways are always better than mine! Please help me in those situations where I’m struggling to turn hurts over – to surrender them to your more than capable hands. Thank You Jesus! I know you are faithful to complete the work You’ve starting in me. Amen!

*note: forgiveness does NOT mean accepting unacceptable behavior from anyone; it is all about releasing our grip on offenses, letting God have them, and swapping out our anger & resentment for what really heals –  God’s peace (which is our greater need).