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The dictionary meaning of forgiveness is:

compassionate feelings that support a willingness to forgive

Forgiveness is a commonly preached topic, it is known and said that vengeance is for God and when we fail to forgive, the pain and hurt keeps eating us up and not the person that has hurt us. Forgiveness is a Christian virtue and a character that Jesus Christ portrayed while on earth.

Luke 6:27-31(NIV)

but I tell you who hear me:love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill-treat you. If someone strikes you on one check, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Pheeeeew! Indeed, these words above are hard words and trust me, I really know how it feels to act dumb when you are being oppressed, but then, why are we Christians and what differentiates us from unbelievers?

Our ability to abide by the teachings of the word of God that we read is what differentiates us. No matter how hard or difficult the task may seems to be. The focus we have in making heaven at last should be our propeller.

The English Philosopher said:

Nothing good comes essy

And if we must make heaven, we ought to be prepared to face the challenges. For narrow is the way that leads to eternal life (heaven) but broad and wide is the way that leads to eternal destruction(hell).

Gen 50:15-17

when Joseph's Brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "what if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?" so they sent words to Joseph, saying, "your father left these instructions before he died:" "This is what you are to say to Joseph, I ask you to forgive your brothers the signs and the wrongs they have committed in treating you so badly". Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father. When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

The passage above is a typical example of a man who was ill-treated by his own brothers. What other greater betrayal could there ever be than to be betrayed by your own blood. But despite the magnitude of the offense, Joseph still had the heart of forgiveness and even promised to take care of their children and household.

Unforgiveness gives birth to malice, hatred, vengeance, evil schemes, hurtful heart and others. As Christians, we are christ-like and as such, we should be spontaneous to forgive no matter the circumstance. Are you still holding a grudge against someone? Have you decided never to talk to someone again because he/she offended you?

It could be your ex, your cousin, your former best friend, your colleague at work, your boss, your neighbor, your sister/brother, your dad/mom, your aunty/uncle, whoever it is, please and please, forgive and forget.

A lot of persons have died keeping grudges or planning best and effective ways to revenge. A lot have died with an unforgiving heart and have missed the target of making heaven at last. TODAY, AS YOU READ THIS, IT MAY BE YOUR LAST OPPORTUNITY TO TURN A NEW PAGE IN YOUR LIFE.

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO MAKE AMENDS

I am @desmoniac

Stay blessed