What one thing have you had the most difficulty forgiving someone for and how did you get past it?

Answer 1

My mother died when I was a freshman in high school. It tore me up. A couple years later, on the anniversary of her death, a 'friend' of mine made a "yo mamma" joke to me about my mother. I nearly killed him (people had to drag me off of him).
It took me years to forgive him, but I did.

We are supposed to forgive others as we want to be forgiven. I make many mistakes, and I want God to forgive me instantly, and without reservation; thus, I must do the same.
Amen.

Answer 2

My answer may not be the best, since I don't trust the person.

Probably the most difficult thing has been to forgive the relative that molested me. It's taken me a long time. While I have forgiven this man, I still cannot trust him, especially since I have children of my own.

What I did was to put this issue at God's feet and ask for him to give me a spirit of forgiveness towards Him. I told God that I no longer want to be angry or hurt by this person, and God reached in and took away my anger. It's amazing, because I now can see this relative (who lives a distance away so I only see him at family functions). So now I can actually have a decent conversation with him. Will I ever trust him, especially around my children? No, because I'm not sure that kids are safe. Unfortunately, this person, while he regrets what he's done is not truly remorseful and my daughter once said that this person made her feel uncomfortable, which is why I can't trust him.

But by forgiving this man, I leave the judgment to God instead of me judging him. Life is too short to stay bitter.

Answer 3

My first mother-in-law was a control freak. She had to know every single detail of every single day and if she wasn't, well, it was not fun to be around her. It wasn't that fun around her anyway but even worse then.
I wanted a better paying job but knew that something was holding me back. As I prayed and asked the Lord for direction, He told me I had to not only forgive this woman but I had to ask for her forgiveness. So, I took a deep breath, swallowed my pride, knocked on her door and did as instructed. After several minutes of civil talk, we said good bye. I felt such a release and just knew that things would be okay. I didn't get the job I wanted but rather the job He wanted me to have. It was more money and better hours.

Step out in faith and trust that God has a blessing for you. Remember, in order to be forgiven, you must first forgive. And that means earnestly and sincerely from your heart. Not just with lip service.

Answer 4

A co worker who undermined my work and sabotaged my efforts. It has been 8 years and I still have not been able to think about it without getting angry and feeling betrayed.

I know that I set myself up for the fall, but I really did not see it coming. To this day if we are walking on the same side of the street toward each other I will exit or cross the street to avoid her.

I also need to forgive myself, but it still hurts.

Answer 5

I got fired (unrightly so) from a job about 6 yrs ago. I could not forgive that man. I prayed about it and prayed for him in hopes of getting over the anger and bitterness. 1 1/2 year after the "firing" I recieved a letter of apology from him stating that he was wrong and would I forgive him. I wrote him back and said, "yes = I will forgive you, thanks for the letter, that must have been hard to write". After I forgave him I felt like (literally) a huge load had been lifted. Like a weight was gone. I felt more free. To forgive is so very important.

Answer 6

When my mother passed away my aunt took me in. I found out 10 years after my mom past (i was 17) that i had been recieving $800/mos in Social Security, I never got anything for x-mas, birthdays, etc. meanwhile my aunt was going on cruises and building on to her house - than when i moved out she began struggling for money, get my drift. It was difficult to forgive, i am still unsure if i really have forgiven her.

Answer 7

My mom suffered with bi-polar disorder, and was at times, very abusive. She now has Alzheimer's, and I have to care for her. Its still difficult, but I pray my way through it, and thank the Lord I have a wonderful supportive husband. I have a good life now, and realize God is making up for those bad times, by giving me peace now. Being grateful for the things of today helps to forget those past times.

Answer 8

Killing my sister. No one has ever been questioned or held for this crime. They got away with it. It's haunted me since the 80's.
I tried to forgive them. And I tried to look past what did this. It still keeps me up at night. She was less than one year older than I, and we look alike .
I guess I look past it, because I have my own kids and now my grandkids, I look past it, because it's a cold case and no one cares anymore. And I look to my kids and my grandkids as that life goes on.

Answer 9

Just forgive and forget. There is nothing difficult as long as the other one ask forgiveness from you. You will not be forgiven by God if you will not forgive .
jtm

Answer 10

I am still trying to forgive my ex for saying such awful hurtful things to me, at times in front of our kids too, and for scaring me and manipulating me and taking advantage of me...it is a struggle. Deep down I think what is my biggest challenge is forgiving myself.