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Before It's Too Late

So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps  such a one should be swallowed up with over-much sorrow.  2 Corinthians 2:7

 

The situation was heartbreaking. The father had abused his children and abandoned the family. Years later, when he was sick, he wrote to his children asking to see them, asking for their forgiveness. . . . 

Situations like this make Jesus' command to forgive seem impossible to obey. But when the guilty party is near the end of life---and especially if that person has requested reconciliation---we need to prayerfully consider honoring the request. Although we may not realize it at the time, someday we will regret never being reconciled to the family member or friend who hurt us.

Forgiveness isn't easy. In fact, often we can't forgive the person who hurt us deeply without God's help. But is it impossible for God to overcome those hurts and heal the wounds? No, of course not.

Remember what it cost Christ to forgive you---and then ask Him to help you forgive others. What the person did was wrong, and you may still bear the emotional scars. But God doesn't want you to carry those hurts forever.

Whom do you need to forgive before it's too late?

From, HOPE for Each Day: Morning & Evening Devotions, by Billy Graham.

 

 

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