You can’t be happy without forgiveness

Everyday someone does something that offends us no matter if its something morally wrong or just our easily offended sensitivities. Sometimes its a minor thing like forgetting to say Yes Sir instead of Ya. Other times its something major a death, a divorce, getting fired, etc. You can live without forgiving those who you feel have wronged you but you will never find peace within yourself and true happiness until you forgive them. You can’t just say I forgive them it has to be interactive. You have to say it, you have to believe it, and you have to let it go then move on. I have selected a few scriptures I find most appropriate to this however, there are numerous other scriptures that are relevant as well.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Luke 6:37 Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Mark 11:25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 19:11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.

Photo 43888657 / Scripture © Janaka Dharmasena | Dreamstime.com