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I’m going to start by saying the best revenge is to not to taking any at all. I know it is easier said than done. Forgiveness closes the door to the attacks of life. We often hear the term “do not add fuel to the fire”. In addition to adding fuel to the fire by choosing revenge over forgiveness, there is no closure to a bad or negative situation. That means the situation or issue is constantly brewing and the fire is undying. However, forgiveness is a fire extinguisher.
Live a lifestyle of forgiveness. I say this because when you refuse to forgive others, you open the door for a life or torment. For instance, when someone has wronged you; have you ever thought about how you are going to get back at them and what you’re going to say when they “come at you” again? This is an example of not letting go or forgiving. When you do not forgive, you give the other person power of you. Holding onto anger and hate is choosing death in your life. Resisting anger and choosing to forgive is choosing life, and a happier one at that.
I’m not going to lie, forgiveness is not easy. Forgiving can be challenging at times, because our flesh does not want to do it. Often times you get to the point where you are tired of being the bigger person and turning the other cheek. You must realize that you are choosing to forgive for yourself in order to move on, it’s not for them.
Do not play the blame game or victim role. Stop saying “my life would be better without this person.” Start saying “I thank you for showing me exactly what I do not want to become.” Positive energy is great to have around you. Therefore, live a lifestyle of forgiveness. Let go and move forward in order to create the best version of yourself. I want to be clear that forgiveness is NOT condoning one’s behavior, it is releasing you from the bitterness that you have towards that person. Bless the person that has wronged you because it will make you stronger and better.
It’s been hard for me to forgive at times, but I choose to believe that God is going to deal with that person. All I can do is pray for that person that wronged me. Throughout my life, I’ve always been a likable and bubbly person. Therefore, when I encountered someone that didn’t like me it was hard to accept. I kept trying to figure out why a person did not like me. I soon realized that I spent too much time and energy wondering about something that was out of my control. I remember an instance in my early 30’s, a woman everyday went out of her way to cause turmoil in my life. After months and months of dealing with it, I went to the person and asked her what her issue with me was. She responded “Just you being you, no one is that happy.” After that, I washed my hands of it and gave it to God. I knew at that moment she was just a miserable person and misery loves company. I kept being my true happy self. Later, I found out that she has had multiple health problems. Being upset and angry all your life only shortens your life span. Living a life of happiness and peace enhances your life. Remember that and choose to forgive. I chose to forgive her and since then I let it go and let God deal with her.
In the bible in Romans 12:19 is says Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Just know God is seeking justice for you therefore you do not have to seek revenge. To take vengeance yourself is to say hell is an inadequate punishment or the cross is an inadequate sacrifice. He will repay the person that is causing you harm. When it comes to personal vengeance or payback, surrender it. Do not act like it didn’t happen, but give it over to God. (Romans 12:19) God promises to repay evil done against you. (Hebrews 12:19) Believing this promise will free us from the felt need to avenge ourselves
The Classy Challenge:
Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive? A good indicator that forgiveness is needed is when the thought of a particular person gets you bothered, worked up, enraged and you begin to see red. If this person is able to allow you to feel all of these emotions then you must forgive them. No one should have control over your emotions like that. It’s time to forgive.
In the bible Colossian 3:13 says “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
What do you think?