God commands to forgive those who hurt, wrong us

Q: Why is it important to forgive those who wrong us? This is hard for me to accept. When someone deliberately hurts me, they do not deserve my forgiveness, nor would I expect someone to forgive me if I wronged them. — R.F.

A: We’re commanded to forgive those who wrong us. This is a Biblical truth. “[Forgive] one another... even as Christ forgave you” (Colossians 3:13). For those who have not been forgiven by God of their sin, there is no better time than today to receive his salvation and forgiveness.

Imagine for a minute that you committed a crime, were arrested, and were sent to jail. The day has now come for you to appear in court. As you stand before the judge, there’s absolutely no doubt: you are guilty of the charges against you. But then the unbelievable happens. The judge steps down from the bench, stops the bailiff, and takes your place. He pays the penalty. You, on the other hand, are free!

This is a picture of what Jesus Christ did for us. We are guilty before God and deserve nothing less than death. But Jesus Christ took our place. By his death on the cross, he took the penalty we deserve, and we are free. Sin’s penalty has been fully paid. But we must accept it! Believe it!

Forgiveness is a healing balm for the troubled soul and the Bible says God loves us enough to offer his forgiveness that opens the pathway to a relationship with him.

This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.