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Finally, through unforgiveness, we are giving the devil a chance to make our minds his workshop. As we nurse our ill feelings and resentments, the devil tempts us to bear grudges against others, so that we will fall from the grace of God. That way, the devil will be able to control us. We will then fail to see the truth, the goodness of others, and the blessings and graces prepared for us by God. Therefore, let us immediately settle our misunderstandings. Saint Paul said, " ‘In your anger do not sin:‘ Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold" (Ephesians. 4:26-27). When God forgives, He forgets More often than not, although we say that we have already forgiven those who have hurt us, we still carry those burdens against them. |
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Some people would say, "Bro. Mike, I have forgiven him already, but our relationship will never be the same." That is a lie! You have not really forgiven him! God's kind of forgiveness is that we get rid of our hatred, anger, resentment, and bitterness towards our spouses, children, parents, in-laws, or neighbors, and have a renewed feeling of love for them as if nothing has happened. Let us accept God's forgiveness and in turn forgive those who have hurt us. Let us not wait for them to ask for forgiveness, instead let us readily forgive them with all our hearts and forget the pain they have caused. Let us surrender to God all resentments and bitterness we have towards them. If the person concerned is not around or is presently living in a far-away place, we don't need to see him or her in person right away. But the moment we meet that person, we should be ready to reconcile with him or her. I'd like to share with you two steps on how to forgive and forget: First, let us think of God's goodness towards us Let us meditate on the loving-kindness of God and on the good things He has done for us. Because of His goodness, He forgives and forgets all our short-comings so that we will be able to praise and worship Him freely. Now, I will show you how good our God is. In Psalm 103:2-5, we read: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." |
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