For many years I judged others to be good or evil. I felt when someone wronged another they were simply an evil person. As I study scripture and understand the fight for our souls I realize now that people are not evil but rather influenced by evil even unbeknownst to them. They may think they are doing something right even when it causes harm to another. The enemies ability to gain from that is when we fail to forgive and instead become bitter or even vindictive. It makes sense that the enemy would want to harm family, marriage, community, church and our relationship with God. But if we can have a heart of forgiveness the enemy cannot win. I can say firsthand this is not always an easy feat. But when I do tackle that hurdle of forgiveness it is evident that the forgiveness is not for the other person but rather provides me with a clear conscience and peace of mind. I will continue to struggle with this as I am a work in progress but I will try every single day.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13
