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Forgive, and You Shall Be Forgiven
How can we remove the pain, hurt and guilt of broken relationships? How can we
put forgiveness into practice?
by Dale Schurter
Most of us have experienced the feelings:
pain too deep to express, too deeply ingrained for tears. Sorrow that does not
go away. Guilt that holds us captive. Bitterness and anger that fuel resentment and
hate. Accusing, condemning and blaming others for our anguish and hurts.
There are times when all of us can relate to feeling and acting this way. We suspend
love and personal responsibility by tuning into the baser thoughts and influences
that hold us captive.
When we feel sorely sinned against, our first impulse is to strike back, to exact
revenge. But Jesus advises, "You have heard that it was said, `An eye for an
eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person . . ."
(Matthew 5:38-39)
And how do we put that into practice? He continues: "You have heard that it was said,
`You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your
enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those
who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father
in heaven" (verses 43-45, emphasis added throughout).
We see, then, that a beginning point of this healing process is to be proactive in
following the advice and directive of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
"And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive
him . . ." (Mark 11:25).
The stakes are very high! Jesus tells us to forgive others so "your Father in heaven
may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your
Father in heaven forgive your trespasses" (verses 25-26).
Related Information on UCG Sites:
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God's forgiveness: