For-Giving and For-Getting

I've learned that there are some people in life who like to try to do whatever they can to make your life miserable. It can be a co-worker, boss, family member, or even so-called friend. Something to keep in mind is that miserable people try to make others feel miserable too, whereas happy people try to do whatever they can to build-up and be uplifting to others. So instead of getting angry and looking for a way to "get back" at them, have pity and see that their actions are a result of their own suffering, misery, or jealousy.

I recently watched an interview between Oprah and author of the #1 National-selling book, Illuminata: A Return to Prayer, Marianne Williamson. In the interview, Williamson discussed the utter importance of loving and praying for our "enemies." Some of you may be thinking, "What?! How am I supposed to love let alone pray for those who have hurt me?!" But Williamson talked about the importance of doing so because of the "alchemy" or "balance" that will occur. Either one of two things will happen when you love, bless, and pray for those who have hurt you. Either:
1) You will see a difference in their behavior, or
2) You will no longer care because you will be so full of love, grace, and forgiveness.

Forgiveness, love, and grace towards those who have hurt us goes against our very human nature. Human nature seeks vengence. Human nature wants to get even! But

how God desires for us to act towards those who have hurt us results in a much greater outcome; for both parties involved. God's instructions to us are not to seek out vengeance (Leviticus 19:18, Romans 12:19) but to instead allow God to handle the situation and to do our part of loving and forgiving.



God's word instruct us, for our own good, to let go of harvested anger, hurt, and resentment, and to instead know that He is our vindicator (Psalm 135:17), that He will give us justice (Romans 12:9), and that He will bless us for showing mercy and grace to our offenders! (1 Peter 3:9).

Forgiveness is a powerful action, with powerful results. When we show forgiveness and love to those who have hurt us, we open the doors of God's blessings to enter our lives in ways like never before. 1 Peter 3:9 tells us, "Don't snap back at those who say unkind things about you, instead pray for them, because we are to be kind to others, and God will bless us for it."

Again in Luke 6:27-36 we are told, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you... Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend without expecting anything in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father in Heaven is merciful." (Luke 6:27-28, 35-36).
So my friends, I hope you see that the way of love and forgiveness is a path of blessing, joy, peace, and true freedom from anger, grudges, hate, or resentment. I hope you find the strength to love and forgive your offenders and know that you will be beyond blessed in doing so!

If you found this post encouraging, then you can be sure you'll love and benefit from my book, TNT: TeeNage Transformation --Explosive Ideas that Will Blow Your Mind and Change Your Life Forever!! with a whole section dedicated to the power of forgiveness.
May Peace, Love, and Blessings be yours.
-Brigitte Bell