Forgiveness becomes easier and more natural each time we make the choice to overlook a wrong.
Proverbs 19:11 says, "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is his glory to overlook an offense."
That sounds fine in theory, but how many times do we have to forgive?
Jesus answered that when He said, "If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him" (Luke 17:4).
That is to say, we must forgive continually.
The habit of forgiveness doesn't happen automatically. Paul says that we must practice the spiritual disciples, which includes forgiveness. And that begins when we learn to focus our minds on things that please the Lord: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (Philippians 4:8).
Forgiveness matures as we practice it.
As a result, we will know God's peace: "whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:9).
--From Only God Can Heal the Wounded Heart,
by Ed Bulkley
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