Difficult But Necessary

From: New Life Daily Devotions - Steve Arterburn

Ephesians 4:32 "And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ."

It has been said that life is an exercise in forgiveness. And it should be added that forgiveness is an essential step in overcoming tough times.

When we have been injured or embarrassed, we feel the urge to strike back and to hurt the ones who have hurt us. But Christ instructs us to do otherwise. Christ teaches us that forgiveness is God’s way and that mercy is an integral part of God’s plan for our lives. In short, we are commanded to weave the thread of forgiveness into the very fabric of our lives.

When someone hurts you, the act of forgiveness is difficult, but necessary. Until you forgive, you are trapped in a prison of your own creation. But what if you have tried to forgive and simply can’t seem to do so? The solution to your dilemma is this: you simply must make forgiveness a higher priority in your life.

"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you." - C. S. Lewis