Hennie Symington

… Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  Luke 6:27

Life is not always a bed of roses. With CNN bringing the world with all its pain and horror into our homes and inner sanctuaries, we cannot avoid being deeply affected by all that happens in the world. Often we are horrified by the cruelty of man and people hurting others in the most horrific way. When we witness the cruelty and the hurt people cause, we cannot be blamed for saying: “I am not eager to forgive.” Yet God commands us to forgive.

What does an act of forgiveness entail? To forgive is a conscious decision not to hold something against a person. That is what God commands. “But Lord,” we would say, “you don’t know how awful it is.” God knows exactly how awful it is; He saw his Son who took the sins of the world upon himself, die on a cross - his Son who said: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Luke 6:27.

Why is it so important for us to forgive when it goes against our grain? To forgive is not necessarily a selfless act. When we refuse to forgive, we become the prisoner of those who wronged us because it fills you with hatred and anger, making you a victim twice over.

Prayer: In an inhumane world such as ours, let us follow the example of your Son who died in order to save us. Amen