As God has forgiven us, let us forgive others. No manner of sin should rule in our heart. Put away bitterness and draw nearer to God, for His love for us is good and His troubles are light. Worship him always, giving thanks for His love.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
(Colossians 3:12-13)
Be rid of bitterness, for it is as a weed that wastes the heart and strangles life. Hate rises from its roots and threatens all who keep company with us. Purge its ground with God’s love and allow His kindness to flourish within you.
Be gentle toward one another. Never allow a slight to turn us from God’s truth. Through Jesus, we have salvation. Is there anything more we ought to desire than to be with God always? Show compassion toward all, for we do not know their plight.
Give to those in need. Bless the homeless. Show mercy to those who struggle inwardly. Visit the infirm. Bestow heavenly treasures to the elect, guiding them toward God. See that no one leads you astray. Forgive one another.
Looking to God 
I’m working on it! Thanks!
God bless you!
A belated response to this one…. What a good article. I have had more than one root of bitterness in my heart, and I pray to God He has or will remove all of them. I have to remind myself that if I want God’s forgiveness, I must forgive others too, or I won’t receive God’s. Thank you, Jack Flacco. As always, a timely and good message. Sue Smith
May God’s grace and peace be with you, Sue!
And to you also, Jack!
This page taken from the letter to the Colossians should be our North Star in human relationships.
If we go to the roots of the word ‘forgive’ and from ‘forgiveness’ we understand how fundamental this word is for our serenity. The word forgiveness comes from the medieval Latin per-donare. It is composed of the Latin particle per which indicates a fulfillment and donare which means to grant. Forgive, in its root, therefore means to give completely without conditions.
This is a wonderful reminder of what Jesus gave on the cross for us and for the forgiveness of our sins, as He had given himself completely, without conditions so that we could be saved. God bless you, Marzia.
Amen
God bless you, Willie.
God Bless You
Many find forgiveness difficult, I forgive for my own peace of mind and happiness
Our forgiveness affects all, but mostly our lives, since our relationship with God will be strengthened even further, drawing us closer to Him.
That they all may be one;
as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee,
that they also may be one in us:
that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
John 17:21
Depending on the depth of the wound, forgiveness can be an ongoing process. Different circumstances in life may bring the offense to mind again, and cause our wound to reopen. But God wants more for us than a focus on the past. He is able to break all chains.
Amen, Anna. Our freedom is with God!