When we see all the frustration, anger, discrimination, and unfairness all around us, it’s easy to be unforgiving. But if we want true peace, we need to forgive one another. “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone,” (Mark 11:25). It’s not easy to forgive those who have harmed us, but scripture is clear without a forgiving heart true peace can never be achieved.
Not forgiving hurts us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. God gave us Jesus whose death on the cross gave us the gift of forgiveness. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of His grace,”(Ephesians 1:7). When we accept this gift which he freely gives, our relationship with Jesus is strengthened. We honor and glorify God when we forgive, because He forgave us.
Forgiving creates a renewed sense of peace, and our relationship with Jesus is fortified. Jesus said on the Sermon on the Mount “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God,” Matthew 5:8). A heart that forgives is blessed. Jesus showed us how to forgive by his suffering and death on the cross. The suffering and pain we endure can strengthen our faith and love for Christ when we forgive; love and blessings, Carby.
The One-Minute Prisoner 