Many times we want to get even for the wrongs that have been done to us. “Why should he do this to me? Why should she tell such blatant lie against me? How could she have done this to my home? How could he have done that to my business/ career? Why did she do that to my business? Things she did for me, can’t be forgiven. I am going to show what I am capable of. She will pay for this.” These are natural reactions of people who have been hurt and wounded. The feelings run deep and the urge to revenge is very strong. But we should forgive to others. Then arises the question How do you know you have forgiven someone?”
But God says, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay” (Romans 12:19b). Therefore, refuse to yield to that urge to get even. Yes, you should be angry at the betrayal, the back-stabbing, the manipulations and deceptions, the injustice and the insults that have been directed against you. Be angry, but do not sin (Ephesians 4:26). Refuse to allow the base nature in all of us to get the upper hand on you. Refuse to recompense evil with evil.
If you refuse to let go, and you allow the root of bitterness to spring up in you, you will be defiled and that root of bitterness will trouble you (Hebrews 12:14-15). That certainly is not what you need in your life. Rather than getting even, you should endeavor to overcome evil with good, hate with love, malice with goodwill, and then you will enjoy the peace of God that passes all understanding. You will enjoy the comfort of the Holy Spirit and your prayers shall not be hindered. But it happens that you hesitate How do you know you have forgiven someone?
“An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies. The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy. No harm overtakes the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble” (Proverb 12:17-21).
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU HAVE FORGIVEN SOMEONE? WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Pray for that person that hurt you badly. Forgive him/ her from the bottom of your heart, whatever it is he/ she has done. If possible, call him/ her and tell him/ her you love him/ her in the Lord and you are praying for him/ her. By so doing you have overcome evil with good, and you have proved that you are truly the child of your heavenly Father. And He will smile on you and shower you with His favor and goodness (Job 42:10). Yes, you are angry, but you should not let the sun go down on your wrath. As much as possible, settle that matter today. Just one phone call can do the trick. Doing so you will know you have really forgiven. May the blessing of the God rest upon your life.
BE REAL, LET YOUR LOVE BE GENUINE
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good (Romans 12:9). As a child of God, do not pretend to love or to have forgiven people. This is not as easy as it sounds, but it is possible, and it is the will of God. When you have forgiven someone, you will have peace like a river in your heart, and you will love that person who has offended you immediately you decide to forgive him/ her in your heart. We live in a world of make believe where people fake so many things. As a believer, you are not to fake anything, let your “yes” be “yes”, your “no” be “no” and let people know you for who you are and your decisions.
When you have forgiven someone, you will have peace like a river in your heart
The clear commandment of God to us in His word is to love. “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins” 1 Peter 4:8). “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another (1 Peter 4:8). One of the primary works of the Holy Spirit is to spread the love of God in our hearts and make them free of grudges. Open your heart to the Holy spirit, he will finish His work and give you joy like a river. And then you will find the answer to the question How do you know you have forgiven someone? You will know that you have forgiven truly and really.
Related article: Christian marriage problems. 5 Tips to solve them and keep together
