3 Reasons its Better to Forgive

Often, it can be challenging to forgive.

In forgiving, we forego our perceived right to "get even." In Romans 12:19, the Apostle Paul quotes the book of Deuteronomy. He says, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." We all want lots of grace from God for ourselves, but we want the strictest judgment from God for others. Yet, on the cross, innocent Jesus cries out toward God on behalf of his killers, "forgive them, for they know not what they do." Those words should reverberate when we feel like we've been wronged on this side of heaven. Why is it better to forgive? Here are six reasons.

1- Peace is better than War.

I don't know if you've ever met someone who appears to be "looking for a fight." Don't be that person. Earlier, I quoted Romans 12:19, one verse before that in Romans 12:18, the Apostle Paul says, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." War is terrible, whether physical, relational, verbal, or emotional... it's going to wreak havoc. I'm not saying to "stuff your feelings for the sake of peace." Address them, and talk calmly and honestly. But don't gear up for battle ready to take your shots the moment you feel you've been wrong. It will escalate, and it will cause a lot of damage.

2- Joy is better than bitterness.

Interestingly, the first three "fruits of the Spirit" are "love, joy, and peace". These are the opposite of bitterness. Bitterness and joy really can't coexist. Bitterness is like on your soul. It looms in the background of your life, no matter how great things are in every other area; your thoughts will constantly drift back toward that person or situation, and your joy will be robbed. Choose to address the areas of bitterness in your life. Address them specifically, cast those situations on the Lord, and seek restoration. In taking those steps, you'll see the dark cloud of bitterness lift and the light of joy shine in your life.

3- Rest is better than wrestling.

You go to bed, and you "stew". You toss and turn all night. You can't think about anything else other than how you are right and wrong. You think through response after response of how you'll win the argument. There is no rest in that; there is no peace in that. It may be possible to win the battle and yet lose the War. Part of the War that you lose when you live in that state for long periods is rest. Your mind, soul, and body are never at rest in constant "battle" mode. Ephesians 4:26 says, "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger." I think the practical piece of this admonishment is to address anger and forgive now. Please don't wait, don't sleep on it, or stew on it.

This isn't an exhaustive list. But hopefully, these things are good reminders to live and walk "in the Spirit." Model what Christ died. He who had been wronged, forgave. Life is better when you forgive and when you live in peace.