Forgiveness is an act of grace. An action much easier said than at times done. Someone recently really upset me. Although I think there was more hurt and disappointment, than anger. This person humbly apologized to me. I almost immediately wanted to be prideful though. I wanted to say more on how upset that I was. Then, I realized that I had already said enough. They already felt bad. No amount of anger would make anything better. Ultimately, I told them I forgave them. I said how it made me feel, but that I forgive them. Though there is a little more caution in my heart right now, I know their apology was honest. I truly forgive them, despite my disappointment. I know this person is now working on forgiving themselves. Though I am reminded, I too, have needed forgiveness at times. I hope that those I may have offended can offer me that same grace. Just as God offered it to all of us. None of us deserve forgiveness from God, yet, he offers His grace. Friend, sometimes there are people who won’t be sorry for how they have wronged us. Though, we must always choose forgiveness. That doesn’t mean we forget it, just that we forgive it. That doesn’t mean we don’t create healthy boundaries, when necessary, it means we choose to forgive. For where forgiveness is lacked, in its place is bitterness. It is in bitterness, where things are made so much harder. It is in forgiveness, we too find it and we also find healing. We need grace as humans. Both from God, and one another. 

Erin Fitts-Brower 

Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV 

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

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.

Matthew 6:14-15 NIV

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Ephesians 1:7 NIV

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace