Only One Acceptable Option

When consideration is given to whom I'm willing to forgive and for what offense, I then believe there are self-prescribed limitations to the breadth and scope of forgiveness. However, this attitude does not comply with the standards of Christian faith since to forgive is without question the pathway to peace and joy.

To refuse to see the potential loss for not forgiving is to believe anger and bitterness are the more acceptable options. Some believe forgiveness is letting people off the hook for bad, hurtful behavior. However, when you forgive, you are letting yourself off the hook. Anger and bitterness give witness to sadness and pain.

Forgiveness helps individuals accept how their future happiness and peace of mind can be nurtured while simultaneously pleasing Christ Jesus. If you need to forgive someone, perhaps you could begin with this prayer: "Heavenly Father, help me develop a forgiving attitude toward the one who hurt me so deeply." Pray this prayer every day. God will bless you and give you freedom to enjoy your life.  

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He does not punish us as we deserve or repay us according to our sins and wrongs.

As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is his love for those who honor him.

As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our sins from us.

~Psalm 103:10-12 Good News Bible

Hate stirs up trouble, but love forgives all offenses.

~Proverbs 10:12 Good News Bible