How Can We Find the Strength to Forgive Others?

Forgiving others, especially when deeply hurt, requires strength that often goes beyond our natural abilities. Here’s how you can find the strength to forgive, based on biblical principles:

1. Rely on God’s Strength:

   • Forgiving others is not something we are always capable of doing on our own; it requires God’s help. Philippians 4:13 NKJV says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
   • Example Application: When you find it difficult to forgive, pray for God’s strength to help you let go of the hurt and extend forgiveness. Acknowledge your need for His power to enable you to do what seems impossible.

2. Remember God’s Forgiveness Toward You:

   • Reflecting on how much God has forgiven you can motivate you to forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NKJV says, "bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do."
   • Example Application: Take time to remember the ways God has shown you mercy and forgiven your sins. Let His example inspire you to forgive others, recognizing that you have been forgiven much.

3. Pray for a Heart of Forgiveness:

   • Ask God to change your heart and give you the desire and ability to forgive. Ezekiel 36:26 NKJV says, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."
   • Example Application: Pray specifically for God to soften your heart toward the person who hurt you. Ask Him to remove any bitterness or resentment and replace it with love and compassion.

4. Focus on God’s Justice and Mercy:

   • Trust that God is the ultimate judge and will deal with all wrongs justly. Romans 12:19 NKJV says, "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord."
   • Example Application: Instead of seeking revenge or holding onto anger, release the situation to God, trusting that He will handle it according to His perfect justice and mercy.

5. Seek to Understand the Offender’s Perspective:

   • Sometimes, understanding why someone acted the way they did can make it easier to forgive. Proverbs 19:11 NKJV says, "The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression."
   • Example Application: Try to see the situation from the other person’s perspective. This doesn’t excuse their actions but can help you approach the situation with more empathy and a willingness to forgive.

6. Forgive as an Act of Obedience:

   • Sometimes forgiveness is an act of obedience to God’s command, even when we don’t feel like it. Matthew 6:14-15 NKJV reminds us of the importance of forgiveness: "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."
   • Example Application: Choose to forgive out of obedience to God, trusting that your feelings will eventually align with your decision. Forgiveness is often a process that begins with a conscious decision to obey God’s Word.

7. Let Go of the Past:

   • Holding onto past hurts can prevent you from moving forward. Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV says, "Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert."
   • Example Application: Release the past to God and focus on the future He has for you. Trust that He can bring healing and restoration as you let go of past wounds.

8. Seek Support and Counsel:

   • Sometimes, it helps to talk through your struggles with a trusted friend, pastor, or counselor. Proverbs 11:14 NKJV says, "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety."
   • Example Application: If you’re finding it particularly hard to forgive, seek out support from someone who can offer biblical advice and prayer. They can help you work through your feelings and encourage you in the process of forgiveness.

Forgiving others requires strength, but that strength comes from God, who empowers us to forgive as we have been forgiven. By relying on His grace and following these biblical principles, you can find the strength to forgive and experience the freedom that comes with it.