Barriers to Forgiveness

Most who may read this article will probably be Christian men and women, who upon becoming Christians no doubt understood that baptism into Christ (Galatians 3:27) was not the end but the beginning of a life dedicated unto Christ. This entails knowledge that our Lord requires much of us in this life, even though things in life may discourage us from doing the will of the Lord. This “much” required by the Lord requires Christians to be a forgiving people (Ephesians 4:32). However, some things may discourage us from so doing.

• One may not understand the nature of forgiveness.
• One may not know the proper terms of forgiveness.
• One may acquire a vengeful spirit.
• One may demand non-biblical terms of forgiveness.
• One may not have the spirit of forgiveness.
• One may disrespect the authority that encourages forgiveness.
• One may be governed by excessive pride.
• One may be engaged in a personal battle with another.
• One may fail to apply terms of forgiveness in a timely manner.

Though forgiveness may be challenging to practice, may we always be committed to maintaining a spirit of forgiveness so that we may forgive others as the Lord so directs.