Many people find it difficult to forgive. This is often because they do not understand what forgiveness is and how it is applied.

 Forgiveness is a decision we make to release a person from our condemnation and judgment.

Forgiveness is full of grace (unmerited favour) because it is giving someone something they do not deserve.

Forgiveness is full of mercy because it is deciding not to give something they do deserve.

We are the recipients of God’s grace and mercy.

 Our willingness to forgive should not be dependent on how people respond to us. They may continue to be nasty and not give any evidence of being sorry for their actions.

 Extending grace and forgiveness sets us free. When we forgive, we no longer need to spend precious emotional energy thinking about the day oppressors will get what they deserve. Forgiveness lifts a weight from my shoulders and places on God’s shoulders.

 Actually He is the only one who understands the thoughts and intents and motives of a person’s heart and therefore is the only one who can judge fairly.

 People who wait for the person who has wronged them to repent or be sorry before they forgive them can spend their life in captivity to unforgiveness, resentment and bitterness.

 There are many very unjust things done in our world. When we can forgive those who refuse to listen to God’s command to do justice, it can allow them to hear God’s judgment without feeling a personal judgment from us. Forgiveness is releasing a person from our own personal judgment.

 “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13)