Matt. 6:9ff "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." If we hold on to an offense it will eventually turn into hate. Then, we are in real trouble.
Three Reasons to Forgive.
1. Because God has forgiven me. Col. 3:13 "Be ready to forgive, never hold a grudge. Remember God forgave you, so you must forgive others." God will never ask me to forgive others more than He has forgiven me.
2. Because resentment doesn't work. Job 5:2 "To worry yourself to death with resentment would be a foolish, senseless thing to do." It's not what has been done to us that is determinative, but how we respond to what has been done.
3. Because I'll need forgiveness in the future. Mark 11:25 When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive you your sins too." Refusing to forgive burns the very bridge I need to cross over to get into the Kingdom of God.
How do I get over a hurt?
1. Never retaliate. Prov. 20:22 "Don't take it on yourself to repay a wrong. Trust the Lord and He will make it right."
2. Deal with it quickly. Eph. 4:28 "Don sin by nursing your grudge. Don't let the sun go down with you still angry. Get over it quickly."
3. Forgive whether on not people apologize. Eph. 4:32 "Forgive each other as readily as God forgave you in Christ."
God allows us to be hurt to teach us how to respond like Jesus.
Luke 6:27-28,35 "Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you.Pray for those who mistreat you. You will have great reward."
Finish the hurt, feed the healing.
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