To Forgive is Divine


Proverbs 10:12 (KJV)  Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

There are Christ-like qualities that, as Christ Followers, we aspire to achieve or perfect during our lifetime, such as selflessness, forgiveness, honesty, love and hospitality, to name a few.

One of the ones I struggle with the very most is forgiveness. It seems to be most counter-intuitive to humanity. We simply don't get it.

Here's the interesting part, when people hurt me--it stings---but I get over it. My ego has been bruised enough in my 55 years, that I can take it. Even with the worst offenses, it takes me but a few months to completely turn it over to the Throne and let it go. (I'm not perfect; it takes a lot of work!) However, if they hurt someone I love--the mama bear in me comes out and I see red.

Christ commands us to forgive in obedience to Him. When we show grace to those who cause us pain, we are modeling Christ. He was quick to forgive.

Mark 11:25 promises that if we forgive others, our Father will forgive us our sins. In fact, the New Testament has at least 11 references to forgiveness as an edict of God. This value is one that I especially want to win the spiritual battle.

The most interesting part is the enveloping peace that is a rather pleasant by-product of forgiveness. I cherish the warmth and joy it imparts. 

***

 Notable Quote:

"Forgive, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace."--Author unknown

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