FORGIVE THEM
“And when they were come to the place, which is called, Calvary, there they crucified him…Then said Jesus, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do’” [Luke 23:33-34].
As you read this article today, is there someone in your life that is in need of your forgiveness? “He who cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself” [George Herbert].
I remind you today that an unforgiving spirit can destroy the joy of the Lord in your life. There are times in our lives that we must spend time in tears and prayer to forgive others who have hurt us in some way or another. However, the Bible says in Psalm 126:6, “They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy.”
One of the greatest joys in the world is living at peace with God and our fellow man. We cannot have peace with God and at the same time have an unforgiving spirit with others. “The Lord will bless His people with peace” [Psalm 29:11]. “To be spiritually-minded is life and peace” [Romans 8:6].
I have heard people say, “I don’t forgive, I get even!” What would we have done if Jesus Christ would have had that attitude at Calvary? He said, “Father, forgive them.”
If you want a happier life, learn now to forgive and forget.
Whatever you do, don’t try to forgive without forgetting. “He who forgives ends a quarrel” [African Proverb].
I was thinking recently about my parents who are now both in heaven. The thought came to me about my years of growing up, and it suddenly dawned on me the many times they forgave me of my actions and even worse. They forgave me because they loved me.
As a parent and grandparent myself, I forgave my children and grandchildren when necessary for the same reason. I love them.
My friend, that’s why Jesus forgave all of us. He loves us and gave His life to redeem us from our sins. “Forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors” [Matthew 6:12].
THINK ABOUT IT!
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GOD is a GOD of peace and those people who are called to be the children of GOD must have peace in them and they must be peace-makers. Some people are born to this world, may be the first one to enter the Church of Sunday, but they create nothing but discord in the family and Church, through bringing back the past and sowing the seeds of discord and pouring oil in the fire. I dread those people because they will destroy our joy and peace of life for very silly reasons. For them, they look to find fault in others and make the small issues as too big and use their tongues like double edged sword.
man of God please help me to forgive those that harm me.