How long does it take to forgive?

Have you ever wondered how long does it take to forgive someone? Well, the answer would vary depending on the person. Some people love to hold grudges. For some bizarre reason they feel as if holding a grudge against someone hurts the person.

Unfortunately, these people are only hurting themselves. They’re causing stress in their lives, increased blood pressure, wrinkles from frowning and they lack of joy and happiness due to their anger and resentment.

Then there are those who forgive and just more on. I’ve always been one who moves one. For me, forgiveness is just a part of my nature. Why? Because, often I remind myself of the forgiveness Christ has given me when I’ve done wrong.

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

So true, the question of how long does it take to forgive someone may vary in terms of a time frame. But there shouldn’t be any question on if one should untimely forgive another. That answer must always be YES!

We must make forgiveness a top priority in our daily lives. Why? Because when we forgive others, God will continue to forgive us.

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

Yes, I know there are those who somehow manage to continue to hurt us by their actions or words leaving us feeling as though we cannot forgive them anymore, well Peter questioned Jesus about this very matter in Matthew 18:21. In this scripture Peter asked how often should we forgive someone who has done us wrong and Jesus simply answers, Seventy times seven.

Whoa! That’s a lot of forgiveness.

I challenge you today, to forgive anyone with whom you may be holding a grudge against today. I challenge you to walk in love with those around you and be the bigger person when hurtful situations arise. Forgive like Christ and you will be the winner every time.

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