Be Forgiving

   " I can't take this anymore." Have you said this about someone you are closed to, or has someone said this about you? When you heard this statement in regards to yourself, how did it make you feel? Did it make you feel angry or hurt? Everyone will have a moment when we step on another's "toes." It is bound to happen even before this day is over. But in order to make our lives go a little smoother today, let us be forgiving toward others.

   We cannot make others be forgiving toward us. But we can let go of a little of our pride and recognize when we have wronged someone and ask that person to forgive us. Forgiveness is in order for each and every one of us individually. We all need it. Forgiveness is what a bandage is to a wound. It heals. Just let it go.

   It is not to say if someone maliciously harms you just let that ride. Stealing, cheating on a mate, killing and so forth are things that GOD has to handle with a person. Jesus said, "Pray for your enemies." So we must pray for those who do things toward us to purposely harm us. But we cannot take revenge against another either. Revenge is for the LORD in heaven to take against those who hurt us. If we choose to hold on to grudges we only weigh down our hearts. So if we do experience someone hurting us purposely, we can forgive that person in order to heal ourselves. We just do not have to extend ourselves to them until they make the necessary changes in their lives. But be careful because, Jesus also said, "When your enemy is hungry feed him. When he is thirsty, give him water." God in heaven lets the rain pour and the sun shine on those who do not love HIM. And we all know that sun and rain make food grow. So we can take this as a lesson to learn from our heavenly Father.

   Studies have been done that show when people have more forgiving traits, they tend to have less stress. Stress has been known to cause heart attacks, high blood pressure, and other health problems. So take time to be forgiving. It will save your life in more ways than you know. Plus, think about the hurt and anger you feel when someone does not extend forgiveness to you. Colossians 3:13. "Continue putting up with one another freely if anyone has cause for complaint against another."