Figuring out how to forgive someone who hurt you is really hard work. It’s not a quick and easy process. Personally, I struggled a lot, so I decided to write a prayer for forgiveness of others. I needed to pray and let the Holy Spirit transform me from within. I had to make a change.

I think forgiveness is like a healing balm for the soul, freeing us from the weight of resentment and grudges. It’s not about letting someone off the hook for their actions; rather, it’s a gift we give ourselves, a decision to release the grip that anger and hurt can have on our hearts.

In the tapestry of relationships, forgiveness stitches together the torn threads, allowing for renewal and growth. It’s a powerful act of self-love, acknowledging that we all make mistakes and recognizing our own imperfections. Embracing forgiveness is not just a virtue; it’s a pathway to inner peace and restoring harmony in our connections with others.

My prayer for the forgiveness of others

First, let me get something clear with you. I’m not perfect. I don’t pretend to be. But, I strive for Christian maturity. I want to be like Christ, and I want Him to be pleased with me. Do I always get it right? The answer is a resounding no. But, I try to do right.

Again, I don’t always get it right.

This topic started in the grocery store … of all places!

A few weeks ago, I had a big chance to grow spiritually as a Christian, but unfortunately, I completely missed it.

At the supermarket, I spotted someone from my past shopping wa-a-ay across the store. It was someone who wronged me.

I almost didn’t recognize them because I hadn’t seen them for so long. Then – before they could see me – I ducked my head and went the other direction.

Not good.

Before your prayer for forgiveness of others…

Remember their humanity. They are human, just like you.

In my case, the person wasn’t bad; she just made a bad decision.

Several years ago, she caused some intense emotional pain to my child and me. It wasn’t anything illegal or anything, but it was hurtful. It was a betrayal. She ushered a trial into our lives.

The funny thing is I thought I had forgiven the offense(s), but seeing her revealed that I hadn’t completely wiped that slate clean. I had more work to do and more praying to do. That is where this blog post titled “Prayer for forgiveness of others” was born. It was during that encounter – well, “almost an encounter.”

For a mom, it’s difficult to forgive someone that hurts your child, right?

Difficult, but we are still commanded to forgive– check out Colossians 3:13:

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Forgiveness is a fundamental responsibility in our Christian faith. Jesus Christ taught the importance of forgiving others to demonstrate God’s love and grace. Christians are called to follow Christ’s example and to forgive others, regardless of the seriousness of the offense.

However, it is important to note that forgiveness does not mean condoning or minimizing wrongdoing. What she did was wrong.

I can’t say it was ok. Forgiveness, instead, is a conscious decision to release negative emotions and choose compassion and mercy.

Unforgiveness is too much work, really.

My thoughts on forgiveness are somewhat selfish. In a way, it’s all about me. See, it’s easier [for me] to forgive someone rather than carrying and nursing all that pain, anger, and ill will over the course of my life.

Holding onto grudges can harm us and our relationships. It’s important to let go and forgive. I’ve tried it. It doesn’t work! It’s burdensome.

Unforgivness can also bring about:

1. Resentment and Bitterness: Unforgiveness often leads to bitterness and resentment. Holding onto grudges and negative emotions can weigh us down emotionally, impacting our overall well-being.
   
   
2. Damaged Relationships: Unforgiveness can strain relationships and create barriers to reconciliation. It can prevent both parties from moving forward and resolving conflicts peacefully.
   
   
3. Mental and Emotional Health: The inability to forgive can contribute to feelings of anxiety, stress, and even depression. Studies have shown that individuals who practice forgiveness tend to have better mental and emotional health.
   
   
4. Physical Health: Unresolved anger and resentment can also have an impact on our physical health. Chronic stress resulting from holding onto unforgiveness may lead to conditions such as high blood pressure, weakened immune system, and sleep problems. Read this article from Seattle Christian Counseling.
   
   
5. Stifling Personal Growth: Unforgiveness can hinder personal growth and development. By holding onto past hurts, we prevent ourselves from fully embracing new experiences and relationships.

On the other hand, forgiveness offers a range of benefits:

1. Emotional Healing: Forgiveness can bring emotional healing, allowing us to let go of negative emotions and find peace within ourselves.
   
   
2. Improved Relationships: Forgiving others can lead to reconciliation and the rebuilding of damaged relationships. It allows for open communication and understanding.
   
   
3. Enhanced Well-being: When we forgive, we free ourselves from the burden of the past and experience increased happiness, contentment, and inner peace.
   
   
4. Increased Empathy and Compassion: Practicing forgiveness helps cultivate empathy and compassion towards others, as we learn to understand that everyone makes mistakes.
   
   
5. Personal Growth: Forgiveness allows us to learn from our experiences, grow as individuals, and become more resilient.

A prayer for forgiveness of others can help you forgive.

Forgiveness is a powerful tool for personal growth and healthy relationships. By letting go of unforgiveness, we can heal emotionally, improve our well-being, and build stronger connections with others. It takes time and effort, but the rewards are transformative.

On the other hand, forgiveness
is easier…in the long run.

Forgiveness is like a cleansing “shower” to our souls. It’s a release. We need it!

It washes away the slime and grime of offense and allows us to walk in guilt-free liberty. So, it’s good for us!

Did you know we need this freedom to walk in right standing with the Lord? If we don’t forgive others, we can’t be forgiven (Luke 6:37)

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Back to the supermarket…

I clearly wasn’t there yet that day in the supermarket. I was nowhere near “there.”

My actions at the market that day hinted, no BLARED, that I needed to examine myself then (and often) to ensure I was free of the weight of ancient offenses.

I must regularly immerse myself in prayer for the forgiveness of others and not always beg for my own forgiveness.

If I don’t, I’ll eventually and unknowingly harbor and “hold” bitterness in my heart.

Hey, I don’t want to carry that (or any) burden of anger for the next fifty years! That’s ridiculous, and worse, that’s sin!

You know what else is strange?

I had not even thought about that person in years. Still, I felt that little “poke” in my spirit when I saw them. I had an issue for sure.

The Bible says the heart is deceitfully wicked – who can know it? So true, right??? I thought I knew my own heart to some degree.

It’s wild, but sometimes, we don’t know what’s gestating in our hearts!

Yeah, we must examine our hearts regularly and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in us ALL THE TIME AND OFTEN!

So, as I work on myself, I’ll pray for the healing of that wound.

I’ll begin praying for that person daily until it’s no longer hard to do so. 

I’ll mentally wipe that person’s slate clean (although I will not invite them into my life – it wouldn’t be appropriate … nor do I want to).

I’ll pray that God allows me an opportunity to see that person again to ensure they know I love them and forgive them just as Christ has forgiven me countless times (and will countless more).

I’ll pray for the power to walk even as Christ walked on this earth so that I may be a true, authentic, real Christian woman – inside out!  Those are my thoughts on forgiveness. 

Have you ever thought you forgave
someone only to realize you hadn’t?

Here’s a sample
(example) prayer to forgive others.

“Dear Lord,

Thank you for forgiving me.

Thank you for forgetting my errors and not charging them to my account.

I’ve made so many mistakes in my lifetime. You know all too well, Lord.

I’ve hurt others, I’ve taken from others, I’ve been the “offender.”

Again, thank you for forgiving me and cleansing me from all unrighteousness.

Now, I’m faced with having to forgive _________________________ for __________________.

I admit it hurt me so badly.

But, I’ve hurt others in my lifetime as well. So, the same forgiveness You gave me, I extend to ____________.

Father, forgive me for walking in unforgiveness. Please clean my heart from this sin, as you have so many others in the past.

I pray you bless his/her life and prosper them in their way, as for me. I choose to forgive and will let it go from this day forward. You be my Vindicator.

You be the Judge. I will simply forgive. Please let me know if I am to reconcile into fellowship with ____________.

I need you to direct my steps in that area. I trust You, Jesus. I know you’ll take care of me and heal my broken heart.

In Jesus name,

Amen.”

[pt_view id=”25b62a61z3″]