JANUARY 13

MATTHEW 6:14 & 15, PROVERBS 10:12

FORGIVE!

Did you hear of the two neighbours who lived near Katong in Singapore who hated each other so much they quarreled and did awful things to each other? en they made the news (reported in the newspapers) because they were in court suing and countersuing each other. Isn’t that horrendous? As Proverbs 10:12 says, "Hatred stirreth up strifes."

Let us imagine what could happen if one party has shown love instead of retaliating. As the saying goes, it takes two to fight. So, if one party could apologise and even o er a love gift, it is more likely that the other party would simmer down. Proverbs 10:12 also says, "...love covereth all sins." A Christian must be the first to keep peace because he must follow Jesus’ example.

Jesus was beaten, mocked at and led to die on the cross, but He did not murmur or send down legions of angels to kill His enemies. God did not stop the rain or the sun from falling or shining onto those who hate Him. He is merciful, good and kind to even the vilest sinner for He loves us all. The children of God must continue to love the unlovable like Jesus does. Was Jesus angry? Did He want to "take revenge"?

What about you? When was the last time you were angry? Why were you angry? Perhaps it was a sibling or parent who misunderstood you? Or perhaps they heard wrongly and blamed you? Or perhaps you were offended by someone who does not even know he offended you! What then do you do?

Forgive. And do not harbour resentment or hate.
Dear child, to be a Christian means to be forgiving. A true Christian remembers that he or she has been forgiven of so much by God the Father that he or she is prepared to forgive others, in anything. Would it be easy? No, but this we must try.

Thought: To forgive is divine.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to learn forgiveness. I know it is not an easy thing to do but Heavenly Father, please help me. Help me to love my enemies, as You have taught, and therefore pray for their salvation. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.