Forgiveness, Pass it ON

Have you even stopped to think about a time when you have offended someone? Or better yet a time when someone has offended you? How did you feel? Were you angry? replica watches Did you say to yourself or to someone else, "I could never forgive that person for what they did to me?" Did you feel justified in your thoughts or feelings?
Human nature automatically causes us to hang onto negative feelings whenever someone offends us. cartier replica uk We think about the situation, talk about the situation and stew over the situation until it becomes a larger problem than it started out. Then over time our need to forgive that person becomes less and less important. But when that day comes when we finally decide to forgive that person, how sincere are we?
The dictionary definition for forgive is, to cease to feel resentment against. hublot replica sale The bible's definition is, to pardon or acquit of sins. This means once you have said or have accepted forgiveness from another person you are to cease resentment and pardon their actions. Not hold on to it to bring up again at a later time.
The Bible instructs us not to hold on to grudges and to forgive so that we can worship God with the right frame of mind. In Matthew 5:23 the bible says, "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." The Lord's Prayer also asks God the Father to, "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."
In John 3:16 it states, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did this for us with his blood by washing away and forgiving us of our sins. rolex replica sale When we humble ourselves and go to the Father in prayer and ask for forgiveness he gives us a pardon. He does this with unconditional love. And the best part of it all is when he forgives us he never looks back. Once we have been forgiven the sin is erased forever.
As Christians we should use the examples God gives us and forgive others with unconditional forgiveness. That means if you were friends before the incident and you called each other everyday, once you have forgiven that person, things should go back to the way they were without conditions and without ever bringing up the situation. You should give that person a pardon.
Forgiveness is all about love which is the greatest commandment of all. Once we put our own pride aside and focus on what truly matters, we can then learn to love others as God the Father and Jesus Christ loves us. rolex replica uk Colossians 3:12-15says, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Knowing where to go for help with unconditional forgiveness is important. Going to Jesus Christ in prayer will help us to truly forgive those who offend us. He will give us the strength and wisdom to say "I forgive you." rolex replica You can find his promise in Philippians 4:13 where it says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
" So let's not hold on to grudges and forgive our brothers and sisters unconditionally so we can stand humbly before God as his chosen children. Forgiveness, Pass it on.
Felicia Eaton, June 2010
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