Figuring out how to forgive someone who hurt you is actually work…HARD WORK! It’s not usually a “one and done” situation. I struggled so, I literally wrote out a prayer for forgiveness of others. I needed to pray to forgive and allow the Holy Spirit to do a “work” inside me. I had to change.

My prayer for forgiveness of others… is more for me than them.

First, let me get something clear with you. I’m not perfect. I don’t pretend to me. But, I strive for Christian maturity.

It started in the grocery store … of all places!

A few weeks ago, I missed an enormous opportunity for spiritual Christian maturity and I totally missed it.

At the supermarket, I spotted someone from my past shopping
wa-a-ay across the store.

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.

Shucks, I had everything
I came for, so it was okay, right?

Not good.

Before you answer, let me give you a little history.

Before your prayer for forgiveness of others…

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

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

This person is not a “bad” person, but several years ago they caused some intense emotional pain to my child and me. It wasn’t anything illegal or anything, but it was hurtful. It was betrayal.

The funny thing is I thought I had forgiven the offense(s), but seeing her revealed I hadn’t completely wiped that slate clean. I had more work to do and more praying to do.

A prayer for forgiveness of others – easily when YOU hurt them, but…

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

Difficult, but commanded – 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.”

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 an ill-will over the course of my life.

I’ve tried it. It doesn’t work! It’s burdensome.

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

You know, 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 make sure I’m free of the weight of ancient offenses.

I must regularly immerse myself in prayer for forgiveness of others and not be always begging 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, even we don’t know what’s gestating in our own hearts!

Search your heart often so anger doesn't sneak in or unforgiveness find a home. Click To Tweet

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 “Teri”; I’ll pray for 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 I will, from this day forward, let it go. 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.”

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