Have you ever seen the meme that says, “Just love everyone. I’ll sort them out later. – God”?

Well, here’s a little revamped challenge for you (and myself).

“Just forgive everyone. I’ll sort it out later. – God”

We have all done things that have caused hurt and pain; things we have regretted at one point or another. And if you know (or are growing in your knowledge of) your identity in Christ – you also know (or are growing in your knowledge of) the fact that we have no right to withhold forgiveness from anybody. We are all sinners saved by grace.

But, what they did…

“But, what they did – it hurt.” Yeah, I believe you. And forgiving them does not mean they are free from consequences. That’s God’s job, and He is very good at it.

“But, what they did – it hurt.” Yeah, I believe you. And forgiving them anyway is one of the best ways we can represent Christ in a world that desperately needs to see His love displayed.  

“But, if I forgive them, people will just think it’s okay to do those hurtful things.” Yeah…no. Forgiving them doesn’t mean we approve of their actions or that others will. It means we love Jesus and are trying to be like Him. And since becoming more and more like Jesus and representing Him is what we are put on this earth for, forgiveness is an especially worthy goal. 

“But, if I forgive them, people will think I’m weak and that others can walk all over me.” Yeah…no. Forgiveness is strength to the highest degree. Forgiving someone is showing that what happened has no power over us and does not affect the trajectory of our life. It is powerful.

Surrendered Heart

When we forgive, (which is not always a one-time event…it is often a journey) we are telling the LORD we have a moldable, malleable heart that is surrendered to Him. He is waiting for us to stop trying to take care of the situation – so that He can! And, Friend, when we put ourselves in the humble posture of forgiveness, God can accomplish amazing things through us! Just think of what He may be attempting to say to us, while thoughts of unforgivness are preventing us from hearing it. Unforgiveness sets up an unnecessary roadblock where God wants to do a work in us.

As we do our best to continue to walk in integrity and Christlikeness, people may eventually start contemplating and asking questions, silently or aloud. Maybe we will even get to answer someone’s question about how we forgave. And then – what an opportunity – we would get to talk about the forgiveness and mercy of Jesus…because we can’t forgive in our own strength.

Freedom

And I’m telling you, there is freedom on the other side of forgiveness. Not a small dose of it! It is life-changing freedom that allows us to move forward without the needless burden of trying to control how us or other people are seen or responded to. We’ve never had that control anyway. God will sort it out!

In God’s Word, we are commanded to pray for the people we are forgiving. Not just forgive them, but also pray for them. There are no exemptions…I’ve looked.

Matthew 6:14-15 says, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” This is something to think about very seriously. When we choose not to forgive, we are preventing God’s forgiveness in our lives, which is something that is imperative to live the victorious life that He has planned for all believers!

I realize forgiveness does not always mean allowing someone access to our life again. It does not always mean we are going to be friends and go out to dinner with them. The circumstances vary, but releasing someone’s control over our life and surrendering it ALL to Christ is a life transformation that brings God’s unimaginable peace into our hearts. I highly recommend it.

Side note: unforgiveness does not just impact us spiritually, emotionally and mentally…there is evidence that it also effects our physical health in very negative ways. When we choose to forgive, we are doing something beneficial for our health – in every aspect.

Praying for Each Other

Let’s be praying for each other, Friends. We all go through trials where our desire to forgive is tested. (And let’s not forget…sometimes cause those trials in others) Let’s give God the credit He deserves – that He is big enough to take care of the entire situation and that He can – and wants to – give us the ability to forgive everyone. 

I’m praying for you to forgive someone today. May I ask you to pray the same for me?

Let’s forgive them. He’ll sort it out later.