What Do You Do When a Person Never Apologizes

Due to jealousy, I had a friend who lied about me to our mutual friends. 

I was having a hard time forgiving them. 

Sometimes it is hard to move forward when someone hasn’t admitted they have hurt you. If they would only apologize, you would feel justified or maybe it would help with closure. 

Jesus understands. 

Jesus experienced a close friend betray him. It’s hard to believe that someone who spent so much time with Jesus would betray him. Judas went to the leading priests to tell them he was willing to betray Jesus. He never apologized. 

Not only a close friend betrayed Jesus, but crowds betrayed him. They had seen his miracles, listened to his teachings and saw him love the little children.  

“Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is call the Messiah?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” Matthew 27:22 (NLT)

They listened to the lies that Jesus wasn’t really the Messiah. Jesus forgave them anyway. 

“Father forgive them, for they don’t know what they're doing.” Luke 23:34 (TPT)  

Forgiveness is not based on a person’s response. It is rooted in a relationship with Jesus.  

Start with being honest with God about how you feel. Bring your anger, disappointment and grief to Him.  There are times when you can stay in a relationship and other times you need to walk away. You may need to seek Godly counsel for guidance and pray for wisdom.  

You may need to grieve what is lost. Allow yourself to mourn the relationship and accept that it was broken.  The person who hurt you may never apologize or acknowledge the wound they caused in your heart. You can forgive anyway. It will set you free.  Freedom is not found in the apology. It is found in God’s invitation to release the unforgiveness and hurt you've been carrying.  

Remember Jesus forgave you and he asks us to forgive like he did. 

It says in Colossians 3:13 (NLT), “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

When you place it in His hands you make room for healing, peace and freedom.  

Let's pray.  

Dear Heavenly Father, I need your strength to release this offense. I trust you with your justice. I’m giving this situation to you and forgive____________. I would rather walk in your freedom than carry this anymore. I want to drop the stone. Thank you for dying on the cross Jesus and forgiving me and healing me.

In Jesus name, Amen. 

You are in my prayers, 

Celeste