Recently as I scrolled through my feed, I came across a post from a friend whose name normally brings with it a sting of rejection. I've often questioned why I friended this person on Facebook after our history, but that seems to be how Facebook works. We had been good friends, but one day, without warning, she snubbed me. Things never returned to normal, and I was never sure why. I was given a reason by an acquaintance, but it didn't make sense. It's really not important now other than to say I was legitimately wronged.
It hurt. A lot. That hurt was compounded by the rough season I faced in my life at the time. A few years later, we were invited to the same event and made a superficial peace for the sake of our mutual friend.
I remembered all of this as I looked at the post, still feeling the pang of the lost friendship. I read the post, and my heart broke over what her family has been currently facing. I went about my morning routine, but I couldn't get it out of my head. As I put on my makeup, I muttered, "I really should forgive her. She's been through a lot."
This made me stop. I took a long look at myself in that mirror and felt shame. I should forgive her only because she's been through a lot? Conviction gripped me tight. No. I should forgive her because God forgives me, and His word instructs me to forgive others. Am I better than her? Certainly not. I have done vile things, thought evil thoughts, but I seek forgiveness from God and have asked forgiveness from those in my life. How can I expect to be forgiven if I don't forgive others?
The simmering anger I had held onto all these years started to melt away, and I realized once again that forgiveness heals. The person you forgive may never know it. But doing so allows our hearts to release the bitterness so we can love like we should. I don't have to continue to endure someone's bad behavior. I can choose not to accept toxic relationships, but forgive the person, and let the anger die.
Are you holding onto anger and hurt? Why not let God help you forgive? It's not easy, but if God instructs us to do something, He doesn't leave us to do it alone.
