Yesterday, we learned that forgiveness is not denying, excusing, or forgetting, nor is it a guarantee of reconciliation. Today, I want to take it a step further by saying that forgiveness is not deserved. While the Bible does command us to forgive others as we’ve been forgiven, it’s not a right that we’re entitled to. Since Jesus made a decision to go to the cross and set us free from the weight of our transgressions, we make a choice to forgive in a similar manner. However, as we consciously let go of offense, it’s important to remember that forgiveness is also a process. While we always want to maintain a posture of humility and a willingness to pardon, the truth is that doing so takes time. Once we give up our right to carry a grudge and lay the burden of justice in the Lord’s hands, it may require months or even years to work through the pain of the process. To help us as we embark on this journey, one of the most liberating things we can do is to pray for those who have wronged us. Though we might not be able to ask immediately for their blessing, when we lift them up before the Lord in any way we can, He guides us on the road to surrender and begins the task of healing our hearts.

My friend, while it’s important to grab hold of the power of pardoning others, it’s equally important to give yourself grace as you embrace the process. Like anything worthwhile, healing takes time and detoxing from bitterness doesn’t happen overnight. However, when you lay your right to revenge at the foot of Christ’s cross and walk hand-in-hand with Him, His Spirit leads you through the pain and empowers you to trust His justice to one day make every wrong right!