Forgiveness

Lately, God has been teaching me the principles of forgiveness, wisdom, quietness and gentleness of spirit. More particularly, God impresses upon me the need to forgive those who caused hurt, albeit not directly towards me but to my family.

About a week ago my mother called me up telling me that she had a verbal altercation with my older cousin. I admit I got angry at my cousin for disrespecting and dishonoring her. I tried processing my anger and asked God to help me respond and deal with it in an honorable and Godly way. God in his goodness kept reminding me to forgive others even if they do not deserve forgiveness because that is the proper and right thing to do. 

I try to place my shoes in that of Jesus’ and without a moment’s doubt I know that Jesus would forgive those who hurt Him and pray for them instead. In attempting to imitate Jesus Christ, I prayed for God to help me forgive my cousin for the wrong done against my mother and asked God to instead stir in his heart the right conscience in order to ask for my mother’s forgiveness. As what the pastor in the last Sunday service imparted, honor should be given on the basis of one’s position even if he or she is not worthy of honor. We honor our parents, those in authority or those older than us not because they deserve it because  sometimes they do not deserve our honor but we have to do it because we are called to obey God’s command to do so.

My cousin realizing his mistake and asking for my mother’s forgiveness may not be happening anytime now but I know that God will eventually touch his heart in order for him to recognize that he did a wrong thing and has to ask forgiveness.

I am also asking God to help me forgive one uncle of mine with whom I got so hurt and mad for not attending my father's wake and funeral. I do not know how a sibling can take stand not attending his brother's funeral. I had this feeling of grudge and anger for about 4 years but it's only now that I get to ask God to help me release my anger and forgive my uncle. I do not know his reasons for not attending the wake and funeral but this is no longer important. What's necessary is that I am able to forgive and rid of the bondage of anger and bitterness I hold against my uncle. He may not be worthy of any forgiveness but I choose to do so because I know that is what God wants. Only when I let go of all the hatred in my heart will I be truly free and worthy of the death and sacrifice Jesus did on the cross at Calvary.

Jesus while nailed on the cross, instead of cursing and getting angry towards those who mocked, spat and tortured Him prayed for them instead and asked God’s forgiveness for as Jesus’ words put it “they do not know what they are doing.” Jesus is merciful and kind. If He can forgive others who are we not to forgive those who do us wrong.

So, I choose to forgive and pray for a change in my cousin’s heart. Rather than putting things in my own hands, I choose to let God take control and deal with this situation. God will not let this go and will do what needs to be done according to his justice and mercy.

In Ephesians 4:32, it is written "be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."