2 Corinthians 2:8
Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.

Are you managing forgiveness? 

There is no way around it. If you say you love the Lord, you have to forgive. Here is what makes it tricky. Some offenses “seem” to affect you more than others, carry more weight, and do more damage. No matter how you feel, you must extend the same grace you have received. Unforgiveness can really negatively affect you because the same pattern of forgives you use is extended to you.

Mark 11:25 When you pray, if you remember anyone who has wronged you, forgive him so that God above can also forgive you. (The Voice)

Matthew 6:14-15 If you forgive people when they sin against you, then your Father will forgive you when you sin against Him and when you sin against your neighbor. 15 But if you do not forgive your neighbors’ sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (The Voice)

Unforgiveness can prove to be worse and really dangerous territory for the one you choose not to forgive. Satan can get an advantage in his/her life. Satan could use your unforgiveness to cause hard thoughts toward God and religion. He could drive that person to a place of despair and have him/her think Christians are, and therefore God is, unforgiving. Unforgiveness causes bitterness, which the love of God does not shine through. Therefore, how can you witness?

Hebrews 12:15 Watch over each other to make sure that no one misses the revelation of God’s grace. And make sure no one lives with a root of bitterness sprouting within them which will only cause trouble and poison the hearts of many. (The Passion Translation)

 Are you applying the standard God set for forgiveness? Do you really want to live with unforgiveness in your heart? You don’t want to be overindulging of sin or too severe. Only God can help you navigate this. But remember, this is how you confirm the love of God lives in you.

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, I confess managing forgiveness is sometimes hard for me. I think I forgive most things, but there are some things that are really tough for me. I want to forgive, but I feel as though forgiving will give leeway to more of the same behavior, rubberstamp my approval, and/or appear as the behavior was not wrong. This was such a struggle for me. I repent because I know thinking like this is judgement and I place myself in a position that is Yours alone. I repent for affecting anyone’s life negatively. 70×7 was just an example Jesus used to denote the number of times we should forgive. But I know there is no number. I don’t want to live a life that says to anyone there is no need for a standard, it’s okay to do whatever You want, you will always be forgiven. Thank you for showing me I am not the standard keeper. My desire is to live a life where a person can come to me and find love, forgiveness, and understanding. I ask You for these things every day. I want to give someone what You give me. Help me choose my words and do what would bring You glory…