“To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.” ― Robert Muller
Recently, we talked about “putting on love” that binds several crucial virtues (compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, & patience). Each one, along with two additional instructions are essential to assist us in demonstrating unity by loving our neighbor. We’ve discussed the first one, “Bear with each other,” which goes hand-in-hand with the last one, “and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Forgive is defined as to cease to feel resentment against (an offender), forgive one’s enemies & to give up resentment of or claim to requital (Merriam-Webster). Also, treat the offender as not guilty (Webster 1828).
A long time ago, I heard someone say that being offended is like locking yourself in a jail cell, where you hold onto anger, resentment, & hurt. However, the offender goes on about their way, not even “thinking” about the situation. The only key that will unlock us from our prison is forgiveness. We are released and able to receive peace regarding it.
“When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free.” ― Catherine Ponder
Why is it important? Matthew 6:14 GNT explains, “If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you.”
As we conclude the Unity series, may the words of Pope John Paul II encourage you, “The only way to peace is forgiveness. To accept and give forgiveness makes possible a new quality of rapport between men, interrupts the spiral of hatred and revenge and breaks the chains of evil which bind the heart of rivals.”
While we continue on this Love Walk, I pray that each of us will daily put on love, get dressed in each virtue, so we can bear with and forgive each other.
Thank you for your time. Be Blessed… LR Maddox
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