Does God expect me to forgive someone who keeps hurting me?
Yes, because we have been shown such abundant forgiveness.
The entire Christian understanding of forgiving others is based on God’s forgiveness of us through Jesus Christ.
We are to forgive each other just as in Christ God forgave [us] (Eph 4:32).
Peter once asked Jesus how many times he was supposed to forgive someone who continued to sin against him (Mt 18:21).
Jesus responded with a chilling statement and a story that teaches us the limitless nature of forgiveness.
We should not set limits on our forgiveness, because God has forgiven us a far greater debt (Mt 18:23–35).
So, does God expect you to forgive someone who keeps hurting you?
Yes, because we have been shown such abundant forgiveness.
And Yes, because we have a new nature—a new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Eph 4:24).
But steps should also be taken in difficult relationships to establish boundaries and to encourage true reconciliation.
One person can bring forgiveness to a relationship, but it takes two people to bring reconciliation.
You are responsible to forgive others because Christ has forgiven you.
However, you cannot bring reconciliation to a relationship if the other person does not want to make peace with you.
Consider Paul’s counsel in Romans 12:18: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Relationships can only be healed through forgiveness and repentance.
Where repentance is not present, reconciliation cannot take place.
Luke 17:1–4
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.
So, watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Also Read: Christians and Muslims are Indeed Brothers & Sisters! – Diademng (thediademng.org)
Does God expect me to forgive someone who keeps hurting me?
