Forgive Others

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
Even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
---Ephesians 4: 32
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I recently read a story of a minister, who In his Sunday sermon,
Used “Forgive Your Enemies” as his subject. After the sermon, he asked
How many were willing to forgive their enemies. About half of the
Congregation held up their hands, signifying they were willing to forgive.

Not satisfied, he continued speaking to the congregation for another twenty minutes and repeated his question. This received a response of eighty percent. Still unsatisfied, he lectured for fifteen more minutes and repeated
His question once again. All the congregation responded except one elderly gentleman in the rear.

“Mr. Jones, are you not willing to forgive your enemies?” The elderly man said,
“I don’t have any enemies.” The Pastor said, “Mr. Jones, that is very unusual.
How old are you?” The man replied, “One Hundred and one.” The minister then said, “Mr. Jones, please come down to the front and tell the congregation how a man can live to be one hundred and one years old, and not have an enemy in the world.
The old man teetered down the aisle, slowly turned to face the congregation,
Smiled and said, “I outlived every one of them!" :o)

Forgiveness is something which is not optional. In order to be forgiven
Of our sins, we must forgive others, as Christ has forgiven us. One
Who harbors bitterness and an unforgiving spirit is sinning against God.
We can't depend on outliving our enemies, as the man in the little story,
But must love our enemies, and do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

God's great mercy and amazing grace has forgiven us our trespasses,
And we are to do the same. Showing forth the attributes of Christ is part of the birthmarks of a true believer. Being Christ like in all our ways includes being willing to forgive others and displaying the love of Christ. Those who do not forgive others waste the years the Lord has given them. God is calling souls today from a life of wasted years.

For a child of God who is following Him and walks in His ways, the best is
Yet to come. We are truly blessed to have a Heavenly Father who loves
Us so much. He sent His very best that we might be forgiven and blessed.
Will we give Him our very best?

Blessings In Christ,
Jo Ann Kelly © 2008, 2007
J. P.'s Inspirations
http://www.my.homewithgod.com/jpinspirations/
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits intact,
For non-profit ministering purposes.