Forgive others

Good morning, happy Tuesday and blessings.

What does the Bible say about forgiving other people? The Bible is very clear on the issue of forgiving other people. Look carefully at this message that Jesus gives us: “For if you forgive people their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; But if you do not forgive people their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. ” Matthew ‪6: 14-15‬. In other words, if I do not forgive those who offend me, God will not forgive me.

It's true that when someone you love hurts you, you can hold on to your anger, resentment, and revenge ideas - or choose forgiveness and move on. Who has not suffered from the actions or words of another person? Maybe your father or mother constantly criticized you during your growth, a co-worker sabotaged a project, your partner cheated on you or a brother or sister in the church made a dirty move. Or perhaps you have lived a traumatic experience, such as physical or emotional abuse by a person close to you.

These wounds can leave you with lasting feelings of anger and bitterness, even revenge. But if you don't practice forgiveness, it could be you who ends up paying the highest price. By forgiving, you will also have peace, hope, gratitude and happiness in your life. Think about how forgiveness can lead you to physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

You may always keep in mind what hurt you or offended you, but forgiveness can lessen the effect this has on you and help you free yourself from the control of the person who hurt you. Forgiveness can even provoke feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the person who hurt you. Of course, forgiving does not mean forgetting or justifying the damage that was done to you or composing the relationship with the person who hurt you. Forgiveness gives you a kind of peace that helps you continue with your life. This is what Jesus asks us.

Blessings

Fr. Luis +