Psalm 39 has a ring to it, at least for myself. Back in the days of my youth, (The high school years 1981-1985) Life seemed simple, growing up from Adolescent to an adult, learning morals, respecting people and accepting them as they are. Life back than seemed harmless. I attended a minor Seminary High School in Santa Barbara, Ca operated by the Franciscan Order. It was a College Preparatory high school for young men. What I learned coming out of high school and into the college years was a well rounded education, not only in math and sciences, but in philosophy, ethics and grace. That was God's grace. life back than was Peaceful. I had my close net of friends and family. Over the next 15 to 20 years I saw my life before me in a blink of an eye. LIFE is very short, we should thank the LORD for waking up everyday.
Why hold grudges?? Why the snarls, the disagreements and arguments?
Why? Perhaps It's human nature to be always right, to prove a point, or perhaps personal pride. It's hard to admit that we are wrong. That is why it's so important to develop a personal relationship with God to overcome these obstacles. NEVER Lose touch with our Lord and Savior. The Lord has taught us to Forgive and to pray, along with other countless examples of humility. Put on Christ:
Philippians 2
Imitating Christ's Humility If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Shining as Stars Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 (New International Version)
"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
Holding onto a grudge against someone not only unchristian but psychologically damaging as well. It will only fuels the fire, not extinguishing it. Jesus Christ himself, and echoing through the letters written by St. Paul teaches us to Forgive and keep on forgiving not only for the people who have offended us, but we must forgive ourselves. We are forgiven by God through His son Jesus for past, present and future sins.
Matthew 18:21-22
" Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!"
"..Seventy times seven!" Jesus said. That means we must keep on forgiving despite if others don't forgive us.
As I sat during the church service listening to the pastor's sermon, I reflected on the power of change in my life since the beginning when I started going back to church in October of 2006. I thought back to see if I REALLY applied the gospel to my life. I also reflected a little bit on past relationship on how I offended people. One such friendship came to mind. NOT that I can change the past, but that one person, that one friend still holds a grudge, still holds the resentment. After the service I began to cry, Not because of what I did, What I contributed, remember that's the past. I prayed for a day reconciliation, But I am afraid it's too later for that, So I have accepted Our Holy Father's forgiveness and have moved on. I cried because that one person saw me, and moved clear across to the other side of the church preventing to sit with this person's family. It's the reaction, That's a mirror of myself of HOW MUCH damaged I caused to this Person, OF Course "Let things be Tim." I said to myself.
So I PRAYED For God's healing power for this person. Luke 1:37 " For Nothing is Impossible with God."
Just remember KEEP FORGIVING NO matter if the other party refuses to forgive or even acknowledges you. Remember to always pray.
God Bless
Your brother in Christ Jesus
Tim
