Forgiveness

I am filled with peace as I choose to forgive. There may be times in my life when I feel I have been wronged by family, friends, strangers, or coworkers, but this is a perception that I can either hold on to or change. My perceptions can either pull me down or lift me higher. They can either serve me or limit me – the choice is mine. I choose today to have a positive perception. I choose to focus on the blessings in my life instead of the hurts or anxieties. I choose to adopt an attitude of forgiveness rather than one of resentment. I choose to release the past (Heb. 12:14), forgive, and move forward. As I forgive, I experience the peace and power of God’s love at work in me and in my life. Through forgiveness, I am Christ-like, and I am at peace.

“Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs” (II Cor. 2:10-11).

In fact, we must: “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” (Heb. 12:14-15).

Brethren, do not let Satan get the best of us and allow us to harbor hard feelings, especially amongst those in Christ. No man knows the day of His return, but more importantly, we should allow the Light within us to shine in the world, so that we glorify the Father who is in heaven by our good works.

The Word reminds us: “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen” (I John 4:20).

— Damon Long