The Choice of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a choice. We can either choose to forgive those who have hurt us, or not. When we obey God by offering forgiveness to His children, we are blessed. But, when we allow bitterness and resentment to poison our hearts, we are tortured by our own shortsightedness. Do you harbor resentment against anyone? If so, you are faced with an important decision: whether or not to forgive the person who has hurt you? God instructions are clear. He commands us to forgive. And the time to forgive is now, because tomorrow may be too late. God gives us permission to forget our past, with an understanding to live our present. He said He will remember our sins no more (Psalm 103:11-12). Today, let us choose to forgive those who have hurt us. Let us empty our hearts of bitterness and obey God’s words, by offering love and mercy to others—just as God has offered love and mercy to us. — Matthew 5:43-44