“Even if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him [that is, give up resentment and consider the offense recalled and annulled].””
Luke 17:4 AMP
Resentment: bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly
I’ve been feeling some of that recently. I’ve written, deleted, rewritten and finally deleted an email confronting someone with unfair treatment. The memories have haunted me and consumed too much space in my mind.
I’ve been asking the Lord how I forgive someone who does not – or cannot – acknowledge unfair treatment. How do I forgive someone who doesn’t ask for it?
That’s where I struggle. It’s not easy.
Then I think – why is it so important that I list the wrongs to them? Why is it so crucial that they own what they are blind to? It’s likely because I want validation of my story. I want them to know how they’ve hurt and wronged me and – if I’m honest – I want them to feel a little bad about it. Ok – a lot bad.
But here’s the thing – whether or not they ever ask for forgiveness, I still have a choice. I can hold onto bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly or I make a conscious, deliberate decision to let go of the bitterness that swirls in my mind. That’s the definition of forgiveness- a deliberate, conscious, letting go of bitterness and resentment, regardless of whether the person deserves it or not. After all, if I follow the example and teaching of Yeshua, I see that He forgave people who never asked for it as He hung on the cross. I have been forgiven much, therefore I have much to give.
Forgiveness is a choice I can make today – and I’ll probably make it again tomorrow. I’ll set aside the pain and lay down the bitterness. I’ll ask G-d to help me and heal my mind. And, I’ll choose to trust Him with the rest.
Father – thank You for how You’ve forgiven me. You know the pain I’ve held in my heart and the deep wounds brought on by others actions. You know how I was wronged. I see it in Your word! Help me to forgive and release the bitterness. Help me let go of the righteous indignation I feel and leave the judgment to You. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Luke 16:1-17:10
October 28, 2022