“Forgiving one another…even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye”
Colossians 3:13 (KJV).
Forgiveness is a decision of the mind and the heart which must be reaffirmed over and over. To refuse to forgive someone is like drinking poison and expecting another to die. Forgiveness is truly experienced when one can honestly seek the wellbeing of the other person. Forgiveness takes place when past actions no longer hold a present bearing and the hate is replaced with agape (unconditional) love.
We have to consciously seek to forgive again and again. Unforgiveness turns into bitterness, and bitterness has roots that grow deep and become a stronghold, injecting toxins into the members of your body and causing sickness and disease. The deeper the hurt, the more time you may need for the difficult work of forgiveness. Have you seen children ages one to six play, and one of them hurts the other? Their instinct is to help the one who is hurt, hug and hold that one, and they are back to playing like nothing happened. It’s a quick fix for them. The Bible recounts of Jesus: “He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2-4 (NIV). Express love and nothing shall offend you.
PRAYER
Dear Father, like our Lord Jesus, I forgive all those who have wronged me for they know not what they do.
WISDOM NUGGET
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 (NIV)