Our free will is a gift from God. We can choose to forgive or be bitter towards anyone who offends us. We know this is the truth because, throughout the Scriptures, God wants us to forgive others even when we are in the right. The enemy of God can outwit us. The enemy wants us to think that forgiving someone for wrongdoing is admitting that what they did was acceptable. That is not true. Law breakers should be punished according to the Laws of the land and God will hold everyone accountable for their unrepented sin. We are responsible for our decisions and what we do.
2 Cor 2:10-11 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; 11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Pray For Truth and Understanding
I have heard people say that it is okay to hate evil-doers because God hates evil. Do not allow the liar to deceive you. Do not crack the door and say to yourself that it is okay to be bitter and full of hate. It will escalate and each time you give into a temptation to hate, it will poison you and your testimony. Any area of your life you have not surrendered to God 100% is still an open door for the liar to come in and take control of a section of your life. People are not always what they claim to be, look at their work results and attitudes. God wants us to be delivered from evil. We have the free will to reject the lies. Pray about what you have been told and seek the truth through Christ Jesus in the Scriptures.
2 Cor 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
Take Up the Shield of Faith
Eph 6 tells us to pray with the eyes of faith for all of God’s people. Do not look only at the impossible circumstances and lose hope. Pray honestly with your whole heart. Trust God. The things of this world are temporary. The love and mercy that God has for His people is forever. God respects our free will and we need to respect the free will of others too. Pray for your enemies as you would want to be prayed for.
Pray Honestly as You Focus on God
Lord God Almighty, sanctify me in Your righteousness and love in the name of Christ Jesus. Holy Father of love, help me surrender my whole being to You. Help me live Christ-centered and focused on Your truth. Help me claim and receive the promises of God. Help me daily walk with the Messiah and be yoked with Him. Please root my faith deeply in You and Your Truth. Replace my fears with Your perfect love. Help me live and speak truth in love without any condemnation for myself or others. Give me a humble and teachable Spirit. Help me resist any resistance to You. Jesus, please help me walk with You through all of my temptations, testing of my faith, and battles. Help me pray with the eyes of faith through the Messiah of God and give You the glory. Jesus be glorified in all of my victories. Amen.