In this episode I’m going to remind you how to heal after someone hurts you. 

Hi, I’m Paul and you’re listening to If You Forget.

Colossians 3:13 tells us to “forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

People can be very cruel, and inflict a great deal of pain on us, but we’re called to forgive because we can’t heal until we let go of anger.

Now it’s important to know that forgiving doesn’t mean excusing. If you’re in an abusive or dangerous situation make sure you seek safety. 

Forgiving means letting go and not letting anger take a foothold in your life. Romans 12:21 tells us to “not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” 

Forgiving is hard, but remember Psalm 147:3 tells us “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Healing comes through forgiving, through trusting God, and through trading your hurt for his peace.

So here are 3 ways to forgive someone who has hurt you.

#1 - Make a decision to forgive then let go

Ephesians 4:31 tells us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.” 

You can be filled with anger or God’s peace, not both. So forgive and let go, so he can fill you with his peace.

#2 Pray for your enemies 

Jesus said in Matthew 5:44 “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you!” Pray the Lord softens the hearts of those who hurt you. When you do that you’ll find your own heart softening too.

#3 Don’t seek revenge

1 Peter 3:9 says “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.” 

Respond to sin with blessing, trust the Lord to deal with those who have hurt you, and he’ll bless you with healing and peace.

Let me pray for you:

Father,

Forgiving is hard. Give us the strength to let go, the faith to trust you, and the grace to accept your love and peace. 

We ask these things in Jesus’ name, amen