"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse”.
Romans 12:14 (NIV)
As much as “church hurt” is paradoxical, forgiveness is expected, especially from disciples of Jesus Christ . And yet, it is most likely never the initial action that comes to the mind of those who experience church hurt. Typically, the first emotions may include sadness, brokenhearted, anger, and distress. The strength to forgive escapes even the most devout. Nevertheless, the scriptures instruct us to resist becoming bitter or retaliating against the source of church hurt. Instead, all gestures are to be from a place of love and goodwill, choosing to pray for the best things for those who have ill-treated us. For most of us, although we know forgiveness is the right path to follow, we allow our emotions and understanding to dictate our responses rather than yielding to God’s Spirit to aid us in choosing what pleases God. The hurt is so blinding that we are unable to consider God’s perspective on the matter.
“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.
Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV)
For the sake of our relationship with God, forgiveness is not an option but a mandate to receive forgiveness for our own shortfalls. No amount of rationale can excuse us from forgiving. It is the way of the Heavenly Father. It is clear in Matthew 6:15 that God forgives us as much as we forgive others. In other words, we limit the forgiveness we receive from God when we fail to pardon others for their wrongs toward us. In fact, we automatically forfeit the blessings that have laid up for us. Forgiveness loosens the grip of the pain and deposits it into God’s hand. The release positions us to receive the peace of God, enabling inner healing. We began to experience freedom from the constant replay of the offensive behavior in our minds, which keeps us from moving forward. By yielding to the Holy Spirit, this freedom is obtainable by choosing to forgive rather than any other course of action that separates us from God’s presence. It’s in His presence that we experience a continuous flow of peace and healing despite life’s trials and tribulations.
“Freedom from the pain of church hurt requires us to forgive the source, which is ushered in by an open heart and yielding to the Holy Spirit.”_ASA
Chronicles of ASA 