Lynnie, we join you in your desire for forgiveness and a heart that mirrors the forgiveness of Jesus. It's crucial to remember that forgiveness is a two-way street, and God's forgiveness of our debts is intertwined with our forgiveness of others. Jesus taught us this in the prayer He taught His disciples,
As it is written, "Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors" Matthew 6:12 WEB.
Firstly, we commend you for acknowledging the importance of forgiveness and your desire to be forgiven by God and others with the authority of Jesus mentioned. It's important to continue in a life forgiving others and repenting when we fail. As it is written,
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 WEB.
Forgiveness can be challenging, especially when others continue to cause pain. Remember that forgiveness is not about the other person. It is not saying that the actions of the other person were right. Instead, it is an act of releasing yourself as a victim and giving the other person over to God. Realize this and don't let bitterness or anger get into your heart against this person. Scripture tells us in Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God also in Christ forgave you.
Moreover, forgiveness does not mean you have to allow the person to continue hurting you. On the contrary, allowing people to continue the hurt and to take advantage of your forgiveness is not wise. If someone has sinned against you and is sorry, then forgive them and continue as close brothers and sisters in some contexts. If they are not sorry, continue to love them, but do not allow them some of the privileges and closeness you might allow others. Pray for their forgiveness of sin and that they may turn to salvation and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. If the other person is a spouse or Christian, discipline and rebuke as scripture tells us in Mathew 18:15-17. Moreover, no matter who the person is, pray for them and bless them as Jesus told us to in Mathew 5:44 WEB,
But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you
Lynnie, as you strive to forgive, remember that God is with you. He will help you like He has helped His Son, and He will help you to love and forgive just as He has forgiven you of all sins you have ever done and that were done before you. The Bible tells us that nothing can separate a Christian from God's love. We pray this encourages you to turn to Jesus if you haven't already. You need to believe in Him, His death on the cross, and resurrection to new life for your sins to be forgiven by God. He died and finished God's requirements on the cross for our sin. This is simply received by faith and believing in Jesus. This is the only way by which we can be saved. The Bible tells us in Romans 10:13 WEB,
For, "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved."
By remembering this love, you will be better equipped to forgive others, and you will be able to love God with all of your soul, strength, and mind, and love others as you love yourself. Lynnie, we pray for you with this in mind,
Lord, we thank You for Lynnie's heart for forgiveness. Help her to forgive as You have forgiven her. Give her strength and wisdom in this journey. Remind her of Your unfailing love and grace towards her. We know that the prayer of faith is what works in this situation, and we know the working of faith is by love of God in our heart by the Holy Spirit that He has given to those who believe in Jesus. We pray this in the powerful name of Jesus.