People hurt us. Sometimes, even people with good intentions. Of course, no matter what their intentions, we are asked to forgive. Actually, told to forgive, I'd say. But it can be hard, especially when we're hurt. And when the wrongs against us seem senseless.
But one verse has been coming up for me frequently: Romans 8:28. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
God uses people. Not only is He working in us, but He's using us to influence other people. Sometimes we don't even realize it. And of course, if we're following His purpose, He will use other people to influence our lives. Living for God is not always easy, in fact, sometimes it's painful. Like Peter says, suffering is not unusual for a Christ-follower. But suffering in this world can often translate into blessings in the next world. Sometimes it makes us into better people. In fact, I can pretty much guarantee that once you've made a commitment to follow Christ, you're going to be molded into a better person... and that will likely require at least some suffering here on earth.
So, how does this relate to forgiveness? Well, every time I get significantly hurt, I turn to Christ, as I imagine many Christians do. When people do me wrong, it brings me closer to God. And He wants us to be closer to Him. So, I would say that these people are doing God's work. He wants to make sure we end up with Him; He wants to save our lives, and He's using the world to do it. So, that is a great reason to forgive, in my opinion. Whether they know it or not, these people who hurt me are bringing me closer to salvation. I believe God is using them to do so... and I thank Him for it.
But one verse has been coming up for me frequently: Romans 8:28. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
God uses people. Not only is He working in us, but He's using us to influence other people. Sometimes we don't even realize it. And of course, if we're following His purpose, He will use other people to influence our lives. Living for God is not always easy, in fact, sometimes it's painful. Like Peter says, suffering is not unusual for a Christ-follower. But suffering in this world can often translate into blessings in the next world. Sometimes it makes us into better people. In fact, I can pretty much guarantee that once you've made a commitment to follow Christ, you're going to be molded into a better person... and that will likely require at least some suffering here on earth.
So, how does this relate to forgiveness? Well, every time I get significantly hurt, I turn to Christ, as I imagine many Christians do. When people do me wrong, it brings me closer to God. And He wants us to be closer to Him. So, I would say that these people are doing God's work. He wants to make sure we end up with Him; He wants to save our lives, and He's using the world to do it. So, that is a great reason to forgive, in my opinion. Whether they know it or not, these people who hurt me are bringing me closer to salvation. I believe God is using them to do so... and I thank Him for it.