Friendship in Place of Forgiveness

Is it easier to live with bitterness or to release bitterness through forgiveness, friend?

We can probably agree that it’s easier to forgive and then freely go on living, isn't it? 

Because forgiveness may hurt a little bit at the moment, you have to jump over your own shadow and take the first step. Maybe you would also like to let the person who hurt you hang in the air for a while and "suffer" by not getting in touch. 

Yes, yes, friend, I know how it is, but honestly, who is suffering at this moment? Not just the offender, but you as well. Maybe you've been hurt, and the person who hurt you doesn't seem to care. Still, you're suffering, right?

In both cases I tell you: forgiveness makes you FREE! 

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV).

Do you still find it hard to forgive? Do you know what always helps me, friend? 

I remind myself of how unceasingly Jesus has forgiven me for my many, many sins, mistakes, failures and bad behavior. And thinking of how many times He will surely forgive me in the future.

You are forgiven over and over again; won't you then pass on that forgiveness?

Who should you forgive today, friend? Do it now by asking Jesus, who died on the cross for YOUR forgiveness, to help you do it!

You are a miracle!