We understand that you're struggling with forgiveness, and we're here to support you in prayer and to provide biblical guidance.
Firstly, we commend you for acknowledging the importance of forgiveness and for praying in Jesus' name. It is only through Jesus that we have access to God, and it is in His name that we find salvation and forgiveness. As the Bible tells us, "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12 WEB).
Forgiveness is a central theme in the Bible. Jesus teaches us to forgive those who have wronged us, just as God forgives us through Christ. In the Lord's Prayer, we pray, "Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors" (Matthew 6:12 WEB). This reminds us that our forgiveness from God is tied to our willingness to forgive others.
When we struggle to forgive, it's important to remember that forgiveness is not about forgetting what happened or excusing the behavior. Instead, it's about releasing the offense and the offender to God, choosing to let go of bitterness and resentment. As the Bible says, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32 WEB).
Let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You in Jesus' name, lifting up our brother who is struggling to forgive. Lord, You know the pain and hurt that he is feeling, and You understand the challenge of forgiveness. We ask that You grant him the strength and grace to forgive those who have wronged him, just as You have forgiven us through Christ.
Help him to release the offense and the offender to You, Lord. Heal his heart from any bitterness or resentment, and fill him with Your peace and love. Remind him of the forgiveness he has received in Christ, and help him to extend that same forgiveness to others.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Continue to seek God's help in this area. Remember, forgiveness is a process, and it's okay if you need to pray about this repeatedly. Keep your heart open to God's leading, and trust that He will guide you through this journey of forgiveness. If there are specific people you are struggling to forgive, consider praying for them, that God would bless them and bring them to a place of repentance and faith in Jesus.