Thought For The Week - The Spirit of Forgiveness, Grace, and Mercy

"Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness." 

Corrie Ten Boom

Are you able to forgive others freely? Forgiving others who have wronged you is about cleaning your own heart. It is not about a person accepting your forgiveness. Failure to forgive others and to offer grace and mercy usually leads to bitterness which is not attractive and is very harmful to a person's mental state. Bitterness leads to resentment which usually manifests itself as hatred and anger. You don't have to be an unforgiving person. You can choose to be the person who is forgiving and reaches out a hand of reconciliation. You will be happier and more joyful even when your offer isn't acknowledged or accepted.

Please take some time to read the story about Joseph in the Bible (Genesis 37-50) for a perspective on true forgiveness. Genesis 50:19-21 presents an excellent definition of forgiveness - "¹⁹ But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ²⁰ You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.²¹ So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them."