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Why is so difficult sometimes for us to forgive a wrong someone has done to us?

One of his best devices Satan has in his bag of tricks is to subtly infiltrate our mind's thought patterns. If not recognized as evil and resisted immediately the mind will project and activate evil. Even a passing evil thought can activate a sinful action unless resisted immediately. If it is a thought of resentment, unless it is not resisted can take root in our hearts and result in a hardened attitude of un forgiveness.

Some believe that forgiveness is not required unless the other party asks us to forgive them. There is nothing in God Word that says we may keep our feelings of hurt and resentment until the other party asks for forgiveness.

Whether the other party ever asks out forgiveness, we as children of God must forgive, or the feeling may fester into a permanent attitude of avoidance and even hatred.

Then it is we who must ask for forgiveness. Forgive first, then perhaps the other will see your forgiveness, and seek your forgiveness of them. Either way, your mind and spirit is without offense or guilt. You have acted out of love of forgiveness, even as Jesus Christ had done regarding you.

One of Satan's most effective devices is to prevent us from forgiving others. Granted, at times it can be very difficult to do. Think of it this way. Consider how God in Christ has forgiven you. Who went to the issue first? Jesus said in effect:

"Father, I will go down there and pay for all the sins of the world. I will pay for their sins, and also for their lack of believing in me. I will die for them before they ever think about repenting, and I will forgive first. Perhaps they will believe in my sacrifice for them, and repent and forgive their fellow men as I have forgiven them."

Let us practice being the first one to repent, and then first one to forgive. As often as we do this, we grow to more and more life our Savior who forgave first. His example is the best example to follow in our relationship with others.

The greatest danger in refusing to forgive, and waiting for other party to ask forgiveness, is that our hurt will become hardened. Once this happens, we are in danger of refusing to forgive, even if the other party finally asks our forgiveness. The "shoe is now on the other foot".

This was the attitude of the Apostle Paul also:

"To whom you forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes I forgave it in the person of Christ, lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." - 2 Corinthians 2:10-11

May we realize the danger of Satan's devices. Let us forgive first. It is the best thing to do.

It is also the most Christ-like thing to do.

"Inspiration For You" from Randy Mitchell

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