Most of us have said these lines at some point in our life’s experience with hurt and pain:

1. They were wrong.
2. I could never forgive them.
3. I can never condone what they did.
4. What they did was unforgivable.

The results of not forgiving are bitterness, hatred, anger, fear, and revenge. The truth is not forgiving makes me die a little more each day.

This becomes the seedbed of our downfall and can have a snowball effect. Not forgiving magnifies our pain and deepens our anger.

Over a period of time, anger becomes our master and we are enslaved to the very person who has hurt us. The more anger towards the past you carry in your heart, the less capable you are of loving in the present.

We think of forgiveness as a weakness but the truth is, “forgiving” takes great courage and when we forgive we set ourselves free and release the person that has hurt us.

You may not feel like forgiving but, if you will be willing, God will help you to be ready. God is patient and, over time, He will give us the courage it takes to forgive.

Our greatest example is Jesus. While on the cross He said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”.

So, when the pain is more than you can bear and you feel that life is unfair, simply pray for those who hurt you the same way Jesus prayed:

“Father, forgive them because they don’t know what they’ve done.”

Over time, you will begin to experience more peace within and with others.