FORGIVE BEFORE THE HURT (1)

TEXT: Matthew 6:14

Forgiveness is a spiritual virtue that flows in directions of hurts. It is the antidote to that deadly poisonous venom called vengeance (which is of the devil). To find the way of forgiveness is to have found the way to happiness and eternal life.

Life is composed of different categories of people driven by several passions. Their passions birth several actions, and where passions are faulty, actions will be hurtful. Some of these passions include: money, fame, materialism, position, lust in the name of love, etc. The offshoots are greed, selfishness/self-centredness, lack of contentment and many more. These people regard not God or man in the pursuit of their passions. And times without number you may just have been a victim, and painfully some of these people do not even look back to see if you are hurt.
Offences, persecutions, wrong allegations, false accusations, disappointments, heartbreaks, etc; these are some of the things that create hurts. Truly, some hurts can be so hot that they leave scars beyond the skin, on the heart.

There are many ways to handle hurts, but I wish to tell you the first way, and it is the way of Forgiveness. Yes, forgive no matter the hurt! It sounds foolish, but it is God's way. If you must find true happiness and end well in Heaven, you must open your heart and let the streams of forgiveness flow. They may not deserve it, but it is not about them; it is about God, and it is about you - your destiny and eternity.

Remember: Unforgiveness is like a little puncture on a large tyre: it is a matter of time, it will become clear you never can go far with it. One thing you may not rule out in 2014 is the truth that "offences will come" (Luke 17:1a). But make up your mind to forgive before the hurt. Maranatha.

Supporting scriptures: Genesis 5::17; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13