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Desi News Corp - Desi News - June 2009 - Index

FORGIVENESS: IT MATTERS
By Deanna Zekveld
Jasmine* felt a surge of hatred as she passed by Noel*.
Three months ago they had stopped talking to each other
because Noel had said something very hurtful to Jasmine.
Since then, each had been gossiping about the other and
now the situation was worse than ever. Both Jasmine and
Noel wished deep down that somehow reconciliation could
take place, but how could such a thing happen?
Occurrences like this are not uncommon. Too often we
become angry at people and refuse to speak to them for a
period of time, all the while talking down on them behind
their backs. Both parties have too much pride to admit to
being wrong and so the grudge keeps on going. This is our
natural tendency as sinful humans: to be hateful and to
harbour grudges against those who hurt us. Sometimes it
almost feels like a little bit fun to ‘punish’ the other person
(even though you are punishing yourself at the same time).
The only way to reconciliation is through true repentance
and forgiveness. Both sides need to be truly sorry for what
they’ve done. Jesus is the only One who can give us the strength
and grace to act in this way. We need to pray to Jesus that
He would give us a heart of humility and love for other people.
Why would a person even have the desire to forgive? The
Holy Bible says, “Bear with one another, forgiving one
another, if anyone has a complaint against another, even as
Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” Here we see that
Christ is the motivation. If we have asked Christ to forgive
our sins (and our sins are so much greater against Him than
any sins committed against us) then we are able to forgive
others. If Christ could forgive us, than who are we to withhold
forgive-ness from anyone?
We are not commanded to forgive another person if they
are not sorry. Jesus commands us to forgive if the person
repents. Whether or not the other person is sorry, we still
must be willing and ready to forgive him.
Forgiveness is all about being reconciled with the other
person and this means talking with them. But have we trusted
in Christ for forgiveness of our sins? It will change our lives!
And forgiving others will become a part of life.
* Identity changed.
Christ, Our Hope,
An Anchor for the Soul,
Firm and Secure
Whatever the problem,
there’s Hope.
The Hope Centre is open daily Mondays
through Saturdays, 9 am to 12 pm or by
appointment at any time. We are open for
hospitality, prayer, spiritual help and to
assist you in any questions you may have.
For listing of activities,
please call us. Service is
FREE. So is the chai.
FREE FUN FOR KIDS!
IN BRAMPTON
Ebenezer Hall, Gore Road, Brampton
4-12 years. Join us for stories, singing,
crafts, Bible reading and fun!
Call 416-740-0543 for details.
FREE BIBLE!
Reverend
Tony ony Zekveld
I’d like to receive a FREE COPY of the Bible.
Name......................................................
Mailing Address.......................................
The Hope Centre, 1620 Albion Road, Suite 312, Etobicoke, Ontario M9V 4B4. 416-740-0543.
HOPE CENTRE
June 2009 Desi News 35