Month: August 2018

How do you go about showing mercy to those who hurt you? How can you be so quick to forgive and move on? Do you need to distance yourself from them, or do you overlook their shortcomings? When you make the decision to live your life in peace, that’s when you learn to let go of the things that are not serving you well. Then you can start making room for others’ mistakes.

However, this is all easier said than done. I don’t know about you, but I’ve asked God for wisdom in this matter. The word of God doesn’t say that we should write them out of our lives, yet He advises us not to allow “crazy makers” to take away our joy. It is okay to not serve as their doormat. By drawing a boundary, we can express our feelings, thereby allowing them to examine their own heart and hopefully, acknowledge the needs of others through their own love lens.

Furthermore, God’s word tells us to pray for those who persecute us. It is so amazing to know what Jesus said even as He was hanging on the cross. In His agony, Jesus’ concern was for the forgiveness of those who counted themselves among His enemies. He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23: 34). He asked God the Father to forgive the Roman soldiers who had mocked Him, spit on Him, beat Him, whipped Him, put a crown of thorns on His head, and nailed Him to the cross. (Mark 15:29–30).

In this verse “Father, forgive them”, I see how forgiveness ties in with love. But some think that, in spite of their love, if they forgive someone, it shows that they are weak. On the contrary, they are not weak – they are the strongest of all! By practicing forgiveness in their daily walk, they overcome any conflicts which come their way, giving them peace at night. After all, as Jesus’s followers, we are all the answer to his prayer, “Father, forgive them”. If God has forgiven us, who are we to not forgive others?
I must say this from my own experience: I have discovered through my own difficult circumstances that the sooner I forgive, the quicker I feel at peace. I am then able to have love and compassion toward the person who had hurt me. I hope that when I hurt someone (not intentionally but we all fall short at times), they would be quick to forgive me.

Final thoughts, let’s not forget, the courage to keep the gates of mercy (Forgiveness) open and overlook your own pain comes from the Lord who gives generously to those who seek His strength. So for this reason, ask the Lord in faith without ceasing. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)

Anyone can recognize a beautiful life (based on their own preferences and lifestyle), but few understand the way to live a life of true beauty. It’s the little things and small steps in life that can take us to higher places in life. We must understand — if we change the way we look at things, then the things that we look at will change. 

Remember, you’re standing on the shoulders of those who have paved the path before you. Now it’s your turn to set an example for those who may not be seen or recognized but have been given an opportunity to walk towards a beautiful life.  Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses. Be grateful for what you have, rather than what you don’t have….

The journey requires hardship and patience, but the result of traveling it will be beautiful. You may make excuses saying, “I’m not capable or adequate.” A better way is to be the best version of yourself. Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful at heart. Believe that anything is possible when you have a positive attitude and the right people supporting you. 

When you’re facing a situation or an emotional challenge, envision God saying this to you: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

“In view of all this, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; ….”(2 Peter 1:5-6)

If you wonder to walk, or not to walk toward a beautiful life, the first step is to ask God to increase your trust and faith.  He is willing and able to do this and can change your broken heart to one filled with beauty and joy. Ask for a deeper revelation of his love and watch how powerfully he moves.