Importance of Forgiveness

Because we’re our own worst critics, it’s easy to think of all the different things we may seek forgiveness in. Whether it be to a parent, sibling, spouse, friend, co-worker, or even God himself. When feeling conviction within our hearts, it’s more than likely we will quickly run to the source and ask for forgiveness.

However, it may not be as easy to forgive others when asked to do so. When dealing with a situation involving someone else, you might say to yourself, “How could I forgive someone after what they said? Aren’t they aware of how it’s affected me?”

Unfortunately we all go through these emotions, but it’s important to stay aware of how you’re dealing with conflict. Being unable to forgive has major consequences to the body and mind. Being hurt from a situation eventually leads to anger, hate, and resentment towards the individual. This in return causes anxiety, depression, elevated blood pressure, and weakens our immune system.

When creating a state of resentment towards someone, anything that has to do with the person it’s focused on, will become highly toxic for you. When developing that level of anger it ruins the relationship and will push people away. It may also cause the person to act in ways they normally wouldn’t, which only worsens the event, creating more trauma towards the initial reason for anger.

So Jesus tells us to forgive on more than one occasion in the Bible. In Matthew 18:21-22, “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.” Jesus is stating that regardless of what it is, we are to forgive.

Ultimately, Jesus died for us on the cross. He knew we would sin and make mistakes throughout our lives, because we are born of the flesh. However, regardless of how unworthy we may be, Jesus died for us anyway, because we are loved unconditionally.

Jesus speaks of conflict with others in Ephesians 4:29-32, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 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.”