When we chose to commit ourselves to Jesus Christ, we chose a lifestyle of representing Him with everything that we do. Living life as a Christian can certainly be straining, especially when we are called to forgive and love one another. 

We have all experienced the results of someone’s jealousy, lust, anger, frustration or dishonesty among other emotions and actions. The pain might have stung at first than slowly faded away. Or maybe it is still just as hurtful and you just can’t seem to let it all go. 

As Christians we are prompted to forgive one another for our sins because our Savior died for them. Knowing our responsibility is to forgive, why is it so difficult sometimes? 

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. —Ephesians 2:13, KJV

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. —1 Timothy 6:12, KJV

It is not the intention to remind each other that we must forgive, as we have been forgiven; but more to remind each of us that feelings pass. We cannot always be in a state of happiness, as we also do not stay in a state of anger.

Moreover, when the time comes to forgive someone who has hurt or slighted us, are we being tricked into taking back our salvation? Remember that it is only a trick of those flighty yet, needed emotions. A signal, if you will, that something is still not finished yet within ourselves, if we are not willing to forgive.

Focus first on your own balance. 

Take the time to peel back the layers and find the root of your anger –- there may be baggage you’ve unconsciously been pushing down into the depths of your mind that needs to be dealt with. When you forgive someone, and truly mean it, you’ll start letting go of the excess effects that have been weighing you down, and begin to have a solid foundation.

Once we forgive others, it is time to turn our thoughts to forgiving ourselves. 

Consider first this truth, that temptation nursed long enough in thought will become sin. When sin is worked repeatedly over time, the fruit of such is death. Death of joy within our spirit, the beauty we see all around us, the positive energy we tap into; all slowly fade away as we become wrapped up in negative thoughts and emotions that lead to us into sin.

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. —Romans 12:17-21, KJV

There are experiences we try to justify our reactions to, when simply, we must let them go and let God take care of them. There are also those experiences that need the healing light of our Father to work us into a better Christian. 

When we come across these times when we feel we cannot forgive another, earnestly seek in both prayer and council what is best to do. And ask yourself, “Am I capable to forgive?” 

After all, our actions define who we truly are.