FORGIVENESS

There are more than 240 passages only in the New Testament that talk about forgiveness. The prayer of the Our Father says that we should ask the Lord to forgive us only in the same way as we forgive our debtors (Mt 6.12). The Bible says that Jesus came for the forgiveness of sins (Mk 2.17; Heb 1.3; 9.27 ,28; 10,12; Mt 1.21; Lk 19.11; 24.46 ,47) and that He is the Lamb sacrificed for the forgiveness of many (Mt 26.28).  We must forgive each other, just as God forgave (Eph 4.30-32). Anyone who does not forgive will not be forgiven (Mt 18.35 ). This matter is very serious !!!

Who has never been hurt? But also, who never hurt someone? We are two sides of the same coin: we hurt and get hurt. Forgiveness is a practice that may not depend on feeling, forgiveness is a matter of obedience and decision. It is a commandment : Forgive! (Mt 6.12).

How many people are sick, with their physicaly debilitated by  a sorrow that is very alive in their heart. How many people are bitter, living a small life, when they could be living intensely every day of their lives. Many do not laugh anymore, only complain about everything and everyone. Nothing is good, nothing works.

Forgive is:

'Forgive is to have the emotions won. IS being able to love the enemy and forgive those who persecute us (Mt 5.44). 'Forgive is to disable the mechanism of violence that exists within and outside of us.

'Forgive is recognizing one's own imperfections flaws and sins (Jn 8.7).

'Forgive is letting go of grudges. In Gn 50.21 Joseph said to his brothers, "don't be afraid, I will provide for you and your children"

'Forgive is repeated to one another God's gesture towards us. 

'Forgive is offer love when there is no reason to love. (the prodigal son's father)

'Forgive is to keep open the channels through which flows the trust and unconditional love.

'Forgive is a positive reaction to the offense, rather than a negative reaction against the offender.

'Forgive is to make a decision of not to raise more offense before three people: 1) God, 2) the other (including the offender) 3) to yourself

'Forgive is sow mercy, grace and love. The Bible says: "Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful  ... " (Jm 2.13)

'Forgiveness is my mind "without memory" ... is to give chance for the other to be born again in my history as if he had not being part of it yet.

 The secret to a happy life is forgiveness. It is therapeutic. It frees us to a better life. For this reason do not get stuck to no one, release the one who cheated on you, whom doesn't accept you, whom offended you, whom hurted you loved ones, finally, who did you wrong. Let them go and be  free to live your life, to be happy.

                                                                                                                        Heliene Lobato and Nivea Cólon