[198 words]
There are those who are going to hurt us. But as Christians we are not to hold grudges, for these become heavy weights to pull us down and away from God. In the “Lord’s Prayer,” Jesus taught us to ask God for forgiveness as we have forgiven those who sin against us” (Matthew 6:15).
If we are to be like Him, we must have a forgiving spirit. This should be our spirit, the spirit of love which made Christ say on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). If Jesus could forgive those who falsely accused him and spit upon him, and nailed spikes into his hands and feet, surely, we should forgive those who mistreat us.
In this world of turmoil and tears, we often find that we are mistreated by those who should care for us. We see anger, fear, lies, jealousy, and cruel mistreatment from those we should love and trust. However, Jesus calls us to forgive these people. And, in forgiving, we will find our lives are blessed by the God who said: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).
Larry Fitzgerald
Woodlawn church of Christ
Abilene, TX