Forgive Offense

People of weak character sometimes do good and kind things. But they seldom forgive. It is not in their nature to do so. Only the strong know how to forgive.

I once heard one man say of another who he felt had wronged him, "I'll never forgive that man. I'll hate him as long as I live." Imagine tying yourself down to a life-long program of unforgiveness and hate. One who does that spoils for himself the romance and joy of living, and fills the cup of life with the bitterest dregs. There is nothing that so degrades life as clinging to one's grudges and hatreds.

For many months, two leading citizens in a community, and formerly good friends, had been at odds with one another. The enmity lay heavily on the consciences of both men. Finally, one of the men called on his former friend and apologized for his share in the misunderstanding. The other man rose from his desk, extended his hand in a cordial handshake and said, "Jim, I had reached the place where I couldn't stand this barrier between us any longer. I had planned to call on you this very day and do my share of apologizing!"

Some people think to forgive is a sign of weakness. The truth is, a man never appears so strong as when he foregoes revenge and dares to forgive an injury. To forgive is not only evidence of strength and courage, it is the most refined and generous peak of virtue at which human nature can arrive. Moreover, there is a special joy in forgiving that one never otherwise experiences.

"So you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him . . " Cor. 2:7.