Meditation Monday - Krysten M. on Forgiveness

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 (NIV)

Forgiveness is probably one of my biggest struggles. Particularly in forgiving an ex-boyfriend for some really hurtful things done to me, as I’m sure many of you have experienced. Although it’s nearing a year since the break up and I’ve since found a wonderfully supportive Christian guy since, I still struggled with letting go of my past so I could fully enjoy the present and my future. When thoughts of him entered my mind or his name was spoken, I couldn’t help but retract into a shell and relive the pain I associated with him.

Thankfully, a Sunday morning NLCF service on forgiveness, which included this verse from Matthew, spoke directly into my heart and it couldn’t have come at a better time. I was reminded once again of how God’s timing is always perfect. It helped me to realize that I was willingly holding myself back from seeking a pure heart after Christ’s love. I began praying for him and God moved me to reach out to him. I simply told him that I forgave him, I wished him the best and that was it. But just like that, I felt as though a weight had been lifted. Since then, I haven’t felt those feelings of resentment or anger and I have taken leaps and bounds to move on.

Since overcoming this issue of forgiveness, I’ve been reminded in every situation, great or small, of how essential forgiveness is. Christ gave us the ultimate forgiveness. He died for sins he never committed and showed the ultimate act of love. If Jesus could give so much to wash away my sins, how could I possibly not forgive? If you’re reluctant to forgive someone for a sin against you, I encourage you to remember this and to let him or her know they are forgiven. Giving forgiveness is just as important as receiving it. We have been forgiven, so it is our duty to forgive.