“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sin, your Father will not forgive your sins. ” – Matthew 6:14-15
Thirty-year old Adam Hirtle of Colorado Springs was arrested in Colorado Springs a few days ago for reckless endangerment after he shot himself in the foot, which he told investigators he did just to find out what it would feel like. I don’t think most of us would be as stupid as Mr. Hirtle but the truth is every time you hold on to a grudge or refuse to forgive someone, it’s like shooting yourself in the foot. When you refuse to forgive, it’s like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. Forgiveness is not easy. Forgiveness is not saying what the other person did was okay. Forgiveness is the refusal you make to allow the hurts of your life to keep on hurting you. To not forgive is to shoot yourself in the foot. Forgiveness is God’s way. Forgiveness is not optional. Jesus said, “Forgive and you will be forgiven.” Forgiveness is what leads you to life and peace, so don’t shoot yourself in the foot. Let go of your hurts and grab hold of the grace of God instead. If there is someone in your life who you need to forgive, go and forgive them. It will be the best thing you can do for your life.
Thirty-year old Adam Hirtle of Colorado Springs was arrested in Colorado Springs a few days ago for reckless endangerment after he shot himself in the foot, which he told investigators he did just to find out what it would feel like. I don’t think most of us would be as stupid as Mr. Hirtle but the truth is every time you hold on to a grudge or refuse to forgive someone, it’s like shooting yourself in the foot. When you refuse to forgive, it’s like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. Forgiveness is not easy. Forgiveness is not saying what the other person did was okay. Forgiveness is the refusal you make to allow the hurts of your life to keep on hurting you. To not forgive is to shoot yourself in the foot. Forgiveness is God’s way. Forgiveness is not optional. Jesus said, “Forgive and you will be forgiven.” Forgiveness is what leads you to life and peace, so don’t shoot yourself in the foot. Let go of your hurts and grab hold of the grace of God instead. If there is someone in your life who you need to forgive, go and forgive them. It will be the best thing you can do for your life.
– Dr. Tim Thompson