Forgiveness

It is never easy to forgive. If it were, that would kind of destroy the point. Nor is forgiveness always "fair."
Yesterday I was hurt by someone whom I love deeply. When that happens, it's hard for me just to get over my pain immediately and turn around and forgive. Yet I know that is precisely what God calls me to do. I was just wrestling with my need to forgive, and I was asking God, "Why should I forgive him, when he made me cry?" And small, but still, I heard Him respond: "Why do I forgive those who made Me cry?" And then I thought, if Christ forgave those who did far worse than just make him cry, why don't I just forgive? But I still couldn't bring myself to do it. I tried. I tried asking to do the forgiving through me. And still I failed. So i thought again: Why should I forgive? And then I realized my problem: it was pride. I was focusing on me, on my hurt, and on how I had a right to be bitter against the person who had hurt me. The reason to forgive is ultimately about God. True forgiveness glorifies Him, and bitterness only serves to block the path to glorifying His sacrifice. So, I recognized my need to forgive. And then I simply said "aphiemi." (Greek for I forgive/let go) And in that simple act, I truly did forgive.