One day as a wife and her husband quarreled, harsh words were spoken. Each was too proud to ask the other’s forgiveness and the bitter feelings finally led to divorce. Neither found a new mate during the intervening years. And now 25 years later, with one son already dead and the whereabouts of the other unknown, this woman learned that the only man she ever loved was in the hospital. She went to see him, and with tears they finally forgave one another. At their request, the preacher gladly remarried them right there in the hospital room.
As he left after performing the ceremony, the preacher thought of the price the couple had paid for their unwillingness to forgive. The prayers of both had been powerless (1 Peter 3:7), the joy of salvation could not be experienced (Psalm 51:12), and their sons had suffered because of a broken home. Although the husband and wife were reunited, the wasted years could never be recalled. Harboring an unforgiving spirit cheats one of fellowship with God, the beauty of the Christian character, and the best joys of life.
“But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” Matthew 6:15.
via Crosbyton (TX) Church of Christ
Bulletin Digest (January 2005)