Forgiveness is something that everyone on this earth struggles with daily. Reading about the horrific happenings this past month, I believe that it's important to take a giant step back and remember what God commands of his sinners.
Now, I do believe it is important to remember what has happened to us, to the world. However, it is more important to learn in the process to forgive and move forward. Action is everything when it comes to forgiveness. Over-thinking and over-analyzing will only create controversy in the long run.
To resist the temptation of holding onto a grudge takes a great amount of strength. To be straight forward here: people do some really crappy things to us that completely change our lives and shatter our hearts. Friends stab us in the back, family members lie and lovers cheat. It is the world we live in, and sin has been present in us all since the beginning with Adam and Eve.
When people do these almost unbelievable things to us and to our world, it is easy to label them as people who will never be forgiven and deserve to be unhappy forever in the moment of anger and brokenness. In reality though, God wants us to forgive and see the best in others.
If we want a more peaceful world to live in, I think we as a community, as a nation, as a universe, need to stop holding onto what was and put action towards a better tomorrow.
Here are three verses from the book of Matthew that remind us about forgiveness:
Matthew 6:14-15 NIV
We are all sinners no matter who we are. And because of that, we should forgive others who have sinned.
"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
Matthew 5:23-24 NIV
It is a priority to forgive others according to God. Listening to his demands and applying them to our lives will give us peace.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”
Matthew 18: 21-22 NIV
Always be ready to forgive again and again. Don't let every time someone does you wrong grow bitterness in your heart. In reality, the older we get, the more people will disappoint us. Allow every time you are hurt to make your willingness to forgive stronger.
"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? “Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
