Addressing the hurt and pain caused to us by others can be a challenging process.  Our fleshly tendency is to want to cling to certain "rights" we believe that we have - such as the right to be angry and bitter, the right to take revenge, or the right to be in control of how / if / or when the relationship is restored.  Yet forgiveness is a practical way we apply Jesus' command to take up our cross daily and die to ourselves as His disciples (Mark 8:34).  In forgiveness we give up those perceived rights and entrust ourself to the Lord.  In forgiveness we remember the gospel in humility, realizing that we have been given extreme mercy from Christ for our sins rather than the wrath we deserve, and therefore come to see that we don't even have the rights we are tempted to want to cling to.

 

Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that Jesus was tempted in all things as we, and yet without sin.  This means that Jesus was acquainted with the temptation toward bitterness and anger and unforgiveness.  Christ suffered the gravest injustice imaginable, and yet was perfectly sinless and innocent (something none of us can ever claim, no matter  how justified we may think we are for our feelings).  Yet look at His example, even as He was led to the cross...  "...and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously" (1 Peter 2:23).  Even on the cross, we see Him saying "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).  

 

As you embrace a lifestyle of forgiveness, be assured that Christ will meet you along the way.  He knows every detail of your life, every detail of the pain and hurt caused you by others, and as your High Priest He will walk you through to experience the blessing and freedom of forgiving those who have hurt you.