Loving others is not easy especially those who irritate or rub us the wrong way. Many times in my walk with the Lord I have had to endure people that are difficult to be around. No matter where you are in life, you will have such experiences and there is no avoiding it. Sometimes even now when loving others does not come easy I remember what my husband Pastor Rick shared with me not so long ago: “Given their situation or circumstances they are doing the best they can.”
I remember while living and raising our children in Arizona I had a hard time with forgiving some members of my family. I knew as a Christian how important it was to love and forgive others, but in REAL life I found it to be extremely difficult at times. As a young Christian I remember Jesus teaching me the importance of love and forgiveness. In Mark chapter 11 Jesus says, “…and when you stand praying forgive. If you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive you your sins.” I must admit, even today this scripture ALWAYS keeps me in check. Why? Because I have been forgiven of so many things in my life and God expects me to show that same love and mercy to others.In my own life I have found that when I love others I am happier and at peace. I am able to really enjoy life. You could say that LOVE has a “freeing” affect on the one who chooses to give it out. So go ahead, begin to look at others as God looks at you, with love and compassion. I guarantee you will find that your life will be full of real happiness and joy!
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I once heard some hip-looking pastor at a multi-site church (*chuckle*) once say that Forgiveness isn’t for the forgiven, it’s for the forgiver .By forgiving we release whatever measure of control that event, person, etc., has over our lives. We’re no longer a slave to that which has happened to us.Plus, there’s the added influence of Jesus saying, twice in Matthew 6: v.12 and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.v.14-15: “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.It’s not easy, but its something we need to do.
I agree! Yes, forgiveness is for the person “forgiving”. Jesus said it to me many years ago in scripture in the book of Mark chapter 11, “…when you stand praying forgive, for if you do not forgive, neither will your Heavenly Father forgive your sins”. One more thing I have come to realize is this: When we don’t forgive we are imprisoning ourselves in unnecessary pain, bitterness and frustration. Forgiveness is freedom! Thank God! God Bless you.