Unforgiveness
I want to address a spiritual truth that touches every heart: the danger of deep-seated bitterness, which so often stems from unforgiveness.
The reality is undeniable—every one of us will, at some point, be offended or wounded by another. It’s not a matter of if, but when. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to be ready to forgive. Forgiveness is not optional; it is a biblical mandate and an absolute necessity for our spiritual health.
Scripture reminds us in Colossians 3:13, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This is God’s command, and it is His path to freedom. Unforgiveness binds us, but forgiveness sets us free.We must also recognize a sobering truth: wounded people wound others. It’s a cycle that perpetuates pain.
When we carry unresolved wounds and refuse to forgive, we become quick to find fault, and our bitterness spills over, hurting those around us. But through the power of Christ, we can break this cycle. By choosing forgiveness, we allow God’s healing to transform our hearts and our relationships.
If we’ve been hurt by a person and choose to forgive them it does not mean that we have to become best friends with them. But it does mean we’re called to forgive them (see Matthew 6:14-15) and then move forward in our identity in Christ. Jesus taught that forgiveness is the response of a mature follower (see Luke 17). None of us are perfect and at some point we’re all going to fail one another and offend someone.
But when we look to Jesus who is perfect, the One who forgives us, we can then find help from God to forgive each other by the power of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:32, for example, says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” We have been given much in the way of forgiveness, and much is expected from us in response (see Luke 12:48). Though forgiveness is often difficult, to be unforgiving is to disobey God and to depreciate the greatness of His gift.
So, my brothers and sisters, let us commit to forgiving as Christ forgave us. Let us release bitterness and embrace the peace that comes from obedience to God’s Word. As we do, we will not only find healing for ourselves but also become vessels of God’s love and grace to others.
