QKAG: Issue # 85

PAST ISSUE # 85
Questions Kids Ask About God

Question: Why is it so difficult to forgive the people who have hurt us?

Answer: Many times, we have been hurt by people through their insensitive words and behaviours. We feel very angry and even bitter for the hurtful things they have done. But, as Christians, we are commanded by God to forgive them. Forgiveness is not a feeling or emotion. It is a willingness of our mind and character to forgive the person who has hurt us. When we ask God to forgive us, He forgives us not because He feels like it. God forgives because it is in His will and character to forgive. As Christians, it is in our will and character to exercise the grace and forgiveness that God has given us when He saved us and forgave our sins. We need to ask ourselves - if God can forgive a sinner like me who had sinned and rebelled against God, why can't I forgive the person who has sinned against me? There is no excuse for not forgiving the person who has hurt you. If Jesus can forgive the people who tortured and killed Him, you can too (Luke 23:34). If Stephen, the first martyr can forgive the people who stoned him to death, you can too (Acts 7:60). Therefore, if we know how difficult to forgive the people who have hurt us, consider the immense love and mercy of God who forgives us. Remember, before we came to know God, we probably did more evil things against Him than any person can ever do to us, and yet He forgave us. Isn't God wonderful?

Key Bible verses:
Proverbs 19:11; Matthew 5:22-24, 18:21-35; Luke 6:37, 11:4; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to die for me. Thank You for forgiving my sins. I cannot thank You enough for Your love and mercy. As You have forgiven me, please help me to forgive the people who have hurt me in the past. I want to forgive (name the people who have hurt you). I know it is difficult to forget the hurtful past but with time and the help of Your Holy Spirit, the memories of hurt and bitterness will eventually disappear. I will no longer have any resentment or bitterness against the people who have hurt me because I have forgiven them. Thank You, Heavenly Father for teaching and showing me how to forgive others as You have forgiven. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Last words...
"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." (Matthew 6:14)
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