Several years ago, I had a misunderstanding with a dear friend. Even though I didn’t want it to, this experience resulted in the end of this cherished, twenty-year friendship. In the days that followed, God taught me two good reasons to forgive. Perhaps these will speak to you about a relational conflict you are having in your own life.

You won’t be outwitted

When we refuse to forgive, we are in danger two things: our hearts not healing, and passing on our pain to others.

In the days after the loss of my friend, I spent hours hiking through one of my favorite spots in Colorado Springs. As I rounded a curve in the trail, I sensed the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. Your job is to forgive so that you don’t pass on the pain.

I immediately thought of 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 in which Paul clearly states that unforgiveness gives Satan the power to outwit us. I knew then that I had to forgive my friend or I could hurt others in the future in the way I had been hurt. I didn’t want unforgiveness to corrupt my heart.

You’ll keep God’s power in perspective

When we choose to forgive, it presses us to the edges of ourselves where we are forced to acknowledge that the God who loves us is greater than any wrong done to us. We recognize that no one can do anything that will ultimately destroy us, or destroy God’s plan for our lives.  No matter what someone has done to us, God is greater. Ultimately, when we choose to forgive, it keeps God’s power in perspective.

No matter how someone treats me or what they do to me, they will never be able to destroy the love that God has for me, or His sovereign rule over all that concerns me. This is what Joseph acknowledged after his brothers threw him in a pit and sold him into slavery, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good . . . ” (Genesis 50:20).

Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? I invite you to do as God has commanded. Forgive so that you won’t be outwitted by the Adversary, and forgive so that you can move forward with the confidence and joy that God is sovereignly in control over every area of your life.

Lastly, if you haven’t found redemption in what’s been done to you, don’t give up. Keep holding on because God isn’t done writing your story. If you allow Him, God will weave your life’s injustices into a greater whole. Isn’t this the promise of Romans 8:28? Do you believe it?

Additional Resources

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