The other day during a shopping errand while waiting to check out my items, I couldn’t help but overhear a conversation of two young ladies directly behind me.  “I wouldn’t forgive her if she was dying.  Stupid jackass that she is. It’s her fault anyhow she can go straight to hell.”

I cringed at the venom that was laced in her words.  It made my hair stand up on the back of my neck.  The other one replied, “Good. Never forgive her. She’s been calling me saying she wants to apologize. Yeah right, like I might ever pick up her calls.” This was followed by loud peals of laughter.  They were relishing this other person’s pain while ignoring her wishes to acquiesce. So sad.

I turned to glance at them both quickly. They appeared to be in their twenties. Very pretty young ladies, I wondered how much prettier they would be with compassion lurking in their hearts.  Don’t misunderstand, I am NOT judging them, and I DO NOT know these young women.  I am basing it entirely on their overt and heartless comments. This conversation went on for about five minutes, and it contained some colorful language as well.  All I’m saying is, if they won’t forgive…how then will our Father in heaven forgive them?

The entire sermon Jesus told the multitudes about forgiving, and turning the other cheek.  This is not just “words” but a way of life. We are to be as Jesus is. Our behavior is to be different from the rest of the world. We are to let our inner light shine to the rest of the world, to be an example…while walking in the ways of the Lord.

If Jesus Christ forgave the very people who scourged Him.  Who spit at Him, who nailed Him to the Cross.  How can we possibly in all things that are right, not FORGIVE? 

Physical ailments can crop up due to an unforgiving heart. Hurt, anger when not addressed can fester and bring on an unforgiving spirit. And, an unforgiving spirit can be treacherous to not only the person harboring it, but to those around them. It can be agony for their family members, friends and all who comes into contact with them.

“You have heard that is was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Matthew 5:43-44 (NKJV)

When we leave this world, and we ALL will, that’s a guarantee…will your Father in heaven be able to forgive you, as you have forgiven others?  This is a question you should ponder daily beginning now.

So before you say, “I’ll never forgive him or her” think of Jesus, and how He died for us, and how He forgave those who crucified Him…

 

 

 
Picture courtesy of Scott Birge – Amazing photographer & Friend~