I learned years ago that before I spoke on behalf of God I needed to prepare my heart which was sometimes difficult. I believe you have to get rid of any unforgiveness. Hebrews 12: 1, "Throw off everything that hinders." Preparing my heart and disconnecting is what I want to do but forgiveness is not that easy. I do not always want to forgive but I am required to.
Forgiveness is not a special favor to the other person but it is to us. It sets us free. While we are not justifying their actions nor are we acknowledging a restored relationship, we are doing what God told us to do. Forgiveness doesn't have to happen between two people. Sometimes it has to happen quietly in our heart. Ephesians 4:31-32, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
What happens when the person continues to not be nice to us? What if you went to them and it is just not going to work out? What if they are just not a nice person? Matthew 18: 21, "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.'" We have to keep forgiving if we want Jesus to forgive us. When I look back on tough situations that I had to go through, and I have forgiven that person, I can usually say, thank You, God for how You have used that experience.
"You'll never know how strong your heart is until you learn to forgive who broke it."
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