Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. - Colossians 3:13 NIV
There are some great stories of forgiveness. One such story is that of Louie Zamperini, told in the book and film Unbroken. He was captured by the Japanese in WWII and tortured by a particularly evil prison commander for months. Returning home, he was bitter, and his heart filled with hatred. Only after giving his life to Christ and offering forgiveness did he find peace.
Zamperini’s story is one example of one person doing wrong and the other suffering from abuse. Far more common are cases when both people are wrong. Some slight, often unintentional, is said or done. Rather than admitting the hurt, words lie unspoken and feelings to fester. When this happens, Satan dances with joy at the discord. Anything that drives a wedge, it can be the smallest of things, between God's children gives him delight because, in that space, he can sow hate.
In and through Christ, we can live differently. We can find peace and healing. We experience forgiveness for ourselves when we forgive others.
God, we thank you for your perfect forgiveness. When you forgive, our sins are erased, as if we had never sinned. We are once again made pure. You do this not just once but over and over. God, please help us to forgive like that, completely, and to make amends. Any grievance we are holding right now, we ask forgiveness for ourselves and the other person. Amen.
Peace and Forgiveness,
Pastor Tim
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