A Forgiveness Test

Forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. —Colossians 3:13

Have you ever found yourself thinking statements like these? As you read through the thoughts below, pay attention to any perspectives that reflect the way you feel. Then consider how God may want to adjust your thinking as it relates to the issue of forgiveness.

• There’s no way I could ever forgive [person] for [offense]. He/she hurt me too deeply.
• They don’t deserve to be forgiven.
• If I forgive them, they’re off the hook!
• I’ve forgiven them, but I’ll never be able to forget what they did to me.
• I believe I have forgiven, but I still struggle with feelings of hurt.

Choosing the pathway of forgiveness can be extremely difficult. You may have been sinned against in ways that have caused enormous pain and consequences in your life. But be assured, if you’re willing to walk the path of forgiveness, God will go there with you. Hard as it may be to forgive those who have sinned against you, great freedom will be found as you choose to obey God, by His grace.