What doesnt kill you makes you stronger

Although a great saying, this isn't always true. Sometimes situations don't kill us, but leave us weak, with scars, hurts, & a sour disposition.

I've been teaching my oldest child, Gideon (5yr), about the importance of forgiveness. Christ talks over & over about the importance of forgiveness in our spiritual health:

"For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you your sins." -Matthew 6:14-15 (NET)

"Should you not have shown mercy to your fellow slave, just as I showed it to you?' And in anger his lord turned him over to the prison guards to torture him until he repaid all he owed. So also my heavenly Father will do to you, if each of you does not forgive your brother from your heart." -Matthew 18:33-35 (NET)

Painful & devistating situations will arise, but forgiveness is mandatory for the situation to truly strengthen us. Anger & revenge give only a false sense of strength - trying to pull strength out of these emotions is like trying to pull nectar from rattlesnake fangs. They only produce death & decay.

The amazing work of Christ on the cross gives us a reason to walk in forgiveness - in my sin & rejection, Christ forgave me & chose to die the death I should have died & went through the torture I should have endured. I now can not only live in His forgiveness, but also walk in forgiveness of others. I understand what forgiveness is & can freely forgive others.

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others." -Colossians 3:13 (NET)

It sometimes is easier said than done, I know! Christ doesn't promise what He calls us to is easy, but He does promise it will all be worth it.