The Bible says we’re supposed to love our neighbor, so can you really forgive and forget and act like nothing happened? Well, I can tell you this is a topic way bigger than just one person. So we have a few sections from a few different people on how they respond to someone that has hurt or wronged them...
Person 1.
"I’m the kind of person that when someone says something that offends me I remember it but I don't let that affect how I react to that person. I was told that as a guy we can’t really show our emotions or that life isn’t fair so just move on which isn’t always the right approach. I now try to take on a mindset of yes we are called to love one another but that doesn’t mean I have to like you or what you did. I believe that's how god sees us. He doesn’t like the bad things we do but he still loves us. John 15:12 - 'This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.'"
Person 2.
"'Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.' - Ephesians 4:31-32
The way we respond to someone who has hurt us says a lot about our character. It's easy to become angry and start tearing that person down in our conversations with others, especially when that person doesn't ask for forgiveness or even admit they've hurt us. But Paul tells us that's not the proper response. Instead, we are to be kind and forgive that person. Why? Because every single one of us has sinned against God, but instead of responding in anger and sending us straight to Hell, He sent His Son Jesus to pay the penalty for our sin through His death on the cross. It's a forgiveness we don't deserve, yet He gives it because He loves us. He wants us to do the same. It's an important part of becoming more Christ-like and drawing closer to God. Anger and bitterness can only steal our joy and make us miserable."
Person 3.
When someone hurts me (whether it is intentional or not) usually my immediate reaction is to be upset. It is human nature to want to talk back to them, point out their mistakes, and make them feel bad about what they did. However, then I remember all the times I have hurt God and how He forgives me every single time. Psalm 68:19 writes that 'each day he carries us in his arms' which reminds me that every morning He accepts me and loves me, no matter how many times I hurt Him the day before. When I remember that, it helps me to be able to forgive those who have hurt me and to show them grace every day.
Luke 6:27-28 says, 'But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.' This is a hard verse to swallow but it's very true. We can’t just go off our human instinct to be sinful and full of hate. As Christians, we are called to love one another and that includes our enemies. We aren’t saying you have to just forgive & bless/pray for & then spend forever with them because that's hard, but if your first step is to go to God then he really does help make those next steps easier."
Closing Thoughts:
Although these are different responses to different situations, all three pointed to what God says about this topic. If there is someone in your life who has wronged you, and you aren't sure how to respond, there is definitely two things you can do.
1. Pray about it. Take this to Jesus. He understands.
2. Go to the Word. God wants to speak to you about it. So listen to what He is saying to you.
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