Forgiveness is Godly..
Blessed are the peacemakers…

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” Matthew 5:9.

Many of us are still hurting because we feel that we have been mistreated, misused, or abused by others. There are things in our life,whether in words, deeds, or actions, we consider to be hurtful and shameful. And it caused us a lot of pain, hurt and damage. However, some of these incidents may have been at no fault of our own; but yet, we were blamed, shamed, and defamed for these actions.

There are somethings in our past and in our present that we can’t seen to forgive or to forget. And to add, sometimes others are hard to get along with and we have found ourselves in the midst of confusion and it seems that there is always chaos and turmoil, to make matters worse, somethings are done to us spitefully and intentionally.

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” Matthew 6:14-16.

There may be people in our lives, including friends, family, loved ones, church family, or associates whom we have not connected to or spoken to in months or maybe years, because we cannot, or refuse to, forgive or to make things right. In spite of all the pain, hurt, and harm that has been done, it’s OK to rise up and be the bigger person and say, “I forgive you,” or to say that “I am sorry.”

Even if the other person doesn’t accept it, you have done what the Lord has required of you. When we forgive others, God will forgive us. It is godly to be a person of peace, reason, and forgiveness….

Most importantly, this brings peace to ourselves, the person, and it strengthens our relationship with God! In any situation, we should pray for the person and the situation; this does not make us small or a door mat for others; but instead, it shows our maturity and growth in Christ. Remember, taking the side of peace is not necessarily for the other person, but it is for our own peace of mind. And above all things, it pleases the Father when His children choose to live in peace!

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” Matthew 5:44.

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” Colossians 3:13.

– by Geraldine Coleman

Geraldine Coleman: Is a teacher and educator and ministers to prisoners at a prison facility where she is an instructor.