“I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love…” – Ephesians 4:1-3, WEB
We forgive not only our enemies. Many times, it is those who are closest to us whom we need to forgive the most.
For how can we possibly live together in peace if we take vengeance upon each little offense that is done to us? How can we live in love if, instead of trying to understand one another, we carry a grudge in our hearts?
It was never promised that here on earth, we shall always be pleased with one another. On the other hand, what is often asked of us is to “bear with one another”.
God knows that no matter how sincere we are in trying to love one another, there will be times when we’d say words that hurt, when we’d do things that would be displeasing to others. He knows we can’t always be angels and that flesh would always battle with the spirit that yearns to do what is good.
Have a little more patience therefore, and ask God for the grace to forgive and to love.
“There is no one on earth who does what is right all the time and never makes a mistake. Don’t pay attention to everything people say—you may hear your servant insulting you, and you know yourself that you have insulted other people many times.” – Ecclesiastes 7:20-22, GNT
“To err is human; to forgive, divine.” – Alexander Pope