Practice Forgiveness

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiving you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is , the bond of perfection. (Colossians 3: 12-14)

Forgiving someone who has hurt you or done you wrong is very difficult. I know for me it was almost unthinkable at one time. If some one hurt me or wronged me my reaction was wrong you back and never peak to you again. As I got closer to God all that changed. I was able to finally see that it is important to forgive others and still love them because they are a part of the human family and a creature of God. We may not always like someone however we should be able to love others because they are fellow human beings. When you are able to reach that point forgiving people is a little bit more easy. Just as the passage says "you must forgive as God has forgiven you". How can we expect forgiveness from God when we can not even forgive another person who God has created. I may not like what some one has done to me but I know in my heart that I could not hate that person and I must forgive them if I plan to really and whole heatedly follow the teachings of Christ. It doesn't mean to become a doormat, but we should never hesitate to forgive  a person as soon as possible. Holding on to forgiveness only means that you will hold a grudge and fester on inner misery until you are able to show forgiveness. I know for a fact that if I wait a while to forgive some one I do not feel comfortable and I harbor a bit of meanness and animosity towards that person. That is no way to live. Some people will start to lash out in anger or spew mean and cruel remarks that only lead to a deeper division and pull you further away from God and His teachings and commandments. That is no way to live. Full of anger and hate. Practicing forgiveness no matter how hard it seems will help you draw closer to God and be more charitable towards others. The world is full of hate and bitterness. It is full of the "I" syndrome. Forgive others for the love of God and His creatures. Why not be an example and a light to others who see you being loving and respectful of others. You may also lead someone to God by your good example. Live in true humility and love as God has created you out of love. Peace T