DO WHAT JOB DID

One of the challenges we face is forgiving those who offend us. Often, we find it hard to forgive the bible way because our human nature always want to take its pound of flesh.

Unforgiveness sits well with the flesh.and the flesh takes joy in counting scores with detractors. As believers, we shouldn't be trapped in the sin of unforgiveness because in itself, it is a sin and can hinder many things in our lives.

In the Lord's prayer, the benefit of forgiving others is clear: "and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us (Matthew 6:12 NLT). You cannot receive forgiveness of sin If you don't forgive others.

God's expectation of us is to extend His mercy to others just as He has done to us. Several scriptures encouraged that we forgive others.

Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Ephesians 4: 31-32 says, “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.”

Now to the issue of Job, during his ordeal, his friends hurt him deeply with their words. A man in physical pains had friends whose words pierced his soul and damaged his confidence. He must have taken offense. In fact, God rebuked them for their words.

However, we were told that Job did something we don't do often to those that offend us. Job 42:10 says, "After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before".

The easiest way to forgive people is not to say, 'I forgive you.' Sometimes, that statement brings momentary relief but later, you may find yourself reacting again whenever you remember the offense of the offender. Someone you thought you have forgiven, his thoughts will stir bitterness in you again. Have you experienced this?

To truly forgive others, pray for them. The healing you need is in the place of prayer. The proof that you've let go is when you pray for those who hurt you. Anyone who can pray for his offenders has conquered unforgiveness.

Humanly, it is not easy to pray for someone you don't love. It takes love and clear-mindedness to pray for people. In our deepest pains, we may find ourselves praying the prayer of retribution.

If we can pray the prayer of love and mercy for our offenders, we'll receive divine infusion of grace to forgive. The man you pray for often you'll rarely fight or quarrel with the person let alone live with the person in unforgiveness.

If you're struggling to forgive someone, do what Job did: start praying for the person. In no time, that unforgiveness will melt like wax.