Christian Living

Overcoming an Unforgiving Attitude

by Adekunle Lawal
06/02/14
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Overcoming an Unforgiving Attitude

An unforgiving attitude is a mind-set in a person who refuses to forgive other people. This act is unbiblical and irrational. A person that nurtures this attitude does more harm than good to himself. Some Christians are very proud to declare, that they have refused to forgive an individual for years; this is not an achievement, but reveals the level of ignorance of the Word of God in the lives of the Christians.

The Lord Jesus Christ strongly condemns an unforgiving spirit, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6: 14-15 KJV).

A Christian that claims, that the wrongdoing of his offender is beyond forgiveness, should remember that if Jesus had said the same thing when he came to Him, he would not have been a Christian today. Jesus Christ forgave your sins unconditionally; now it’s your turn to do the same to others.

Some Christians find it easy to forgive fellow Christians, but refuse to forgive non-Christians. This is completely wrong. Jesus Christ wants you to forgive all men. Listen to the Lord, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; …………. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? ……… Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5: 44-48 KJV).

Some Christians may say, “Wow! This is hard, I’m sorry, I can’t do it.”  If you make up your mind to obey the Word of God; Jesus is able to help you to forgive others through His strength. The Bible declares, “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1: 37 KJV).

How does it work? All what you need to do is prayer. Yes, prayer does it. You need to declare to the Lord in your prayer, that you would love to forgive (mention the name of the person); but you found it difficult to do so, invite the Lord to help. Remember to always mention this during your regular prayer. You will be surprised to see how God will help you to handle the situation.

Moreover, you must be ready to accept your offender’s apology, if he offers one. If he doesn’t offer any, that’s fine. In the sight of the Lord, your heart is clean towards your friend.

Doing all these bring peace of God into your life. The Word of God says, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4: 7 KJV). You have done your parts of the deal. Wait, and watch how God handles the rest.

Our Lord is a great God, when He steps into a situation, you will be amazed to see how things turn out beautifully to the glory of God.

It is well with you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Adekunle Lawal is a Minister and Christian writer. He lives in Florida, USA.