The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is such a powerful thing. When you can forgive someone, there’s a sense of freedom that goes along with it.

On the flip side, it’s not always easy to forgive. Carrying bitterness and anger because of unforgiveness can destroy you.  

If we want to maintain healthy relationships with others, forgiveness is a must.

When I struggle with forgiveness, there are two scriptures that I always turn to but find hard to live by: 

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive you your sins.” 
~Matthew 6:14, 15 (NIV)

“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 forgave you.” 

~Ephesians 4:31, 32 (NIV)

I know when I've had a hard time forgiving someone, I found it hard to pray. I didn’t see the point. How could I ask God to forgive me of my sins knowing that I was holding bitterness and malice towards someone? 

I always had to remind myself that no one is worth the stress or the headache. I refuse to lose my soul over anyone because of an unforgiving spirit.

Forgiving someone doesn't mean you'll forget the pain. It just means that you're no longer allowing that person and situation to control you. 

The next time you struggle with this sin, just remember that there's no better cleanser for your mind, body and soul than forgiveness.

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Thanks for reading and keep smiling :)

These Three Words

Trayvon Martin. Dead at age 17.

Mike Brown. Dead at age 18.

Eric Garner. Dead at age 43.

Sandra Bland. Dead at age 28.

Four individuals who never thought their lives would end so soon.

Four individuals who made plans for tomorrow but their tomorrow never came.

Four individuals who never got to say good-bye to the ones they loved.

Once upon a time we believed that death was only for the elderly. That is no longer the case and has never been the case.

As I read more and more about these high profile police brutality cases and hear about the deaths of loved ones and acquaintances, the more I realize that death is a respecter of no man.

Growing up, my Mom always told me to never be afraid to say these three words:

I am sorry.

I forgive you.

I love you.

If you knew that you weren’t guaranteed tomorrow, how many of you would apologize to those you’ve wronged?

If you knew that you weren’t guaranteed tomorrow, how many of you would tell your enemies that you forgive them?

If you knew that you weren’t guaranteed tomorrow, how many of you would call your family and friends and tell them how much you love them?

Don’t allow pride, grudges or malice stop you from making your wrongs right.

Do what you can today because you don't know what tomorrow holds.

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When you get a chance, please visit my friend Tyrone’s blog. His posts are insightful and very thought provoking. See his blog here.

Thanks for reading and keep smiling :)