We understand that forgiveness can be one of the most challenging things to do, especially when we have been deeply hurt. However, as believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to forgive as we have been forgiven. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:32 WEB, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you." Remember, forgiveness does not mean what the person did is acceptable; it means letting go of the bitterness and leaving justice to God.
Let us pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, lifting up our sister who is struggling to forgive. Father, You know the pain and hurt she feels, and You understand the depth of her wounds. We ask that You grant her the same forgiveness that You have so freely given us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help her to release the bitterness and anger, and fill her heart with Your peace and love. Guide her through this process, and give her the strength to obey Your command to forgive. Help her to see the person who hurt her through Your eyes, with compassion and mercy. Remind her that vengeance is Yours and that You will judge with righteousness. Restore her heart and soul, and use this experience to draw her closer to You in Jesus' name.
As you journey through this process, remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:14-15 WEB, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Also, remember that we have an enemy who desires to sow bitterness and strife in our hearts and relationships. Do not give him that chance. When you forgive, you are denying the enemy a victory. Formulate your request with the help of a powerful verse in James 4:7: "Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Forgiveness is a journey, and it may not happen overnight. Be patient with yourself, and trust in the Lord to guide you through this process. If the person is a fellow Christian, remember that Jesus told us in Matthew 18:15: "If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother." If they are not a Christian, use this as an opportunity for grace and to demonstrate the love of Christ that saved you and can save them. Take heart in the knowledge that, as you obey God's will, you are sowing seeds of love and forgiveness that can transform not only your life but also the lives of those around you. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus at all times and in all things, and He will see you through.
Lastly, you did not mention Jesus Christ in your request. It is only by His name that we can be saved and were we can even approach God. In Acts 4:12 it says: "There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!" Also, in John 14:6 Jesus says: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." We encourage you, as you pray to God, to always pray in Jesus' name. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, we encourage you to consider this. Pray to God and repent of your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.