He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
When we are “wronged” we feel justified to bring light to
the behavior or actions of the “offender”. The wrong needs to be made right. But
what if we looked past the offense…what if instead of calling attention to the
matter and seeking that always enticing “revenge”, we forgave the matter…right
where it stood, at the time of the offense? Now I am not talking about serious
offenses where there is considerable physical or emotional damage…but rather I
am referring to those little things that seem to come frequently throughout the
day…a short, biting word spoken by another without thought…a petty, selfish act
carried out with little concern for another…these things we tend to cling to
and stew over until we erupt into some kind of sinful and selfish retaliation. What
if we forgave them and wiped the slate clean instead of holding the other
person to the fire? Sure, it may require a considerable swallowing of pride on
our part, but what do we really stand to lose? Nothing…and we stand to gain
everything. For when we forgive as Christ forgives, we are emulating the only
perfect soul to ever grace this soil…and there is simply no privilege, duty, or
honor than to mirror the life of Christ our Savior. May we seek to forgive
today as Christ forgives, and avoid driving a wedge of dissension between us
and our brothers and sisters in Christ. To God be the glory!
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