FORGIVENESS

FORGIVENESS

The weak can never forgive, forgiveness is an attribute of the strong – Mahatma Gandhi

Forgiveness is a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance towards a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they deserve your forgiveness or request for it. This does not mean that forgiveness encourages or excuse wrong doing or offenses. 

To forgive is so difficult and hard to do when the hurt is deepest, especially, from one so close that you least expected. But it is possible to forgive even with layers of deep wounds, when you come to understand that unforgiveness is more a self-inflicted wound, deeper than you can ever imagine, which leads to destruction and eternal condemnation from your Creator and God. 

Our lives can become darkened and incapable of receiving light sequel to our refusal to let go wrongs done to us by others, thus preventing the penetration of God’s radiant light into our lives and souls.

This bitterness in our heart towards those who wronged or hurt us; may lead to not only ill health but the unforgiveness of our own wrongs by God our Almighty Father and Creator. Remember our Lord’s prayer! “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us”; if you forgive others their wrongs, your Father in Heaven will also forgive yours. If you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive you either (Matthew 6: 12, 14-15)

Nothing is worth losing the forgiveness and friendship of our Lord and Creator; a love and friendship we do not deserve. What mistake or wrong have you done in the past either in your youthful days or even now, that you can’t let go to forgive yourself. And what wrong or hurt has anyone man or woman or group of people done that touched you so deep in the heart that you rather lose God’s friendship and eternal life, than to let go and forgive. Is it Worth it? Really?

Yes, forgiveness is a very hard NUT to crack; yes, the hurt is deepest, especially, from the one you love; but you can forgive, If only you learn to forgive. Learning to forgive is a lifelong process. Forgiveness is a decision you have to make each day for your wellbeing, and good relationship with your Creator, who loves you more than you know and wants you to be GOOD, as He is GOOD.

 Be encouraged to forgive and have the benefit of Peace, so try to focus on God’s love and mercy for you; all He has done and still doing for you, then it will be much easy to forgive as an act of love, any wrong from whosoever, with the Help of the Holy Spirit through Jesus the Lord. Forgiveness must be inspired by love of self and others to be permanent. “Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“If your brother has sinned against you, go and point out his fault to him in private, and if he listens to you, you have won your brother.” “How many times must I forgive the offences of my brother? Seven times?” Peter asked  “No, not seven times, but seventy times seven” Jesus answered Peter. (Matthew 18: 15-17, 23-35) 

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you and pray for those who treat you badly” Give to the one who ask and if any one has taken something from you, do not demand it back. Do to others what you would have others do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit can you claim? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do favours to those who do you favours in return, what credit can you claim?  For sinners also lend to sinners, expecting to be paid in full’’.

But love your enemies, then will your reward be great, and you will be children of the Most High. For He is kind towards the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful (Luke 6:27-3) 

For your part you must be perfect in the way your heavenly Father is perfect’’. This is a command from our Lord Jesus. (Matthew 5: 48)

Don’t let unforgiveness destroy you. Let go, and forgive for your wellbeing and salvation

LON