Can We Forgive Without Love?

We as Christians are constantly taught that we are to forgive. When people have hurt us, we need to forgive them. This doesn't absolve them of the hurt they have caused us, but it frees us from bondage to bitterness and resentment. Sometimes this is easier said than done. We have all been hurt by someone at one time or another. That hurt can lie deep in our heart when we have been stripped naked of our outer wall that we thought would protect our feelings. It can be like a knife through our soul. So how can we really forgive someone. It can't be done on our own. We need to see the other person as Christ does. He loves them with infinite worth, no matter what their sin. Again, we are "commanded" to love. We see this in Leviticus 19:18

"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."

It is echoed in the New Testament. Christ knows how difficult it is for us to love and forgive those who have wronged us. In Matthew 18:21-22 it says:
"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

When the teachers of the law were trying to trip Jesus up, again our Lord knew the greatest command involved love in Matthew 22:35-40:

"One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

There are consequences of unforgiveness in our lives. When Christ taught us to pray in Matthew 6:14-1514 he included the price of unforgiveness:

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

If you have unforgiveness in your heart for someone who has hurt you, ask the Lord to give you love for them so that you can be free from bitterness and resentment.

I don't personally believe that true forgiveness is possible apart from Jesus Christ. He is the only one that can supply you with love for others and the ability to see them with the eternal eyes of heaven. Only then will you realize how much the other person means to the Lord and forgiveness is no longer a choice.