You know, that as a Christian, you are to live a holy life. A holy life is one in which you behave like Christ, and not like unbelievers. This means you are to live a life in which Christ is your example. To emulate Christ is the ultimate goal of a believer.
Everyone that Christ met, He was quick to forgive of their sins. No matter how severely they had sinned, Christ told them they were forgiven. Augustine had this to say about forgiveness: “If you are suffering from a bad man’s injustice, forgive him lest there be two bad men.” Sometimes the injustice is so severe, that supernatural means must be used to forgive others.
You can relate to what is said in 2 Corinthians 2:5, “But it anyone has caused you grief” (NKJV). Yes, that verse speaks volumes to your life. You have been caused grief more than you would like to endure. To hold a grudge is human. To respond differently requires superhuman strength. Christ gives you that superhuman strength. Later, a few verses down, Christ explains what you must do to gain that supernatural strength, “.. . . you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up to with much sorrow” (v. 7; NKJV). Scripture mandates that, as other people cause you “grief” and misery, your response is to be one of forgiveness.
For sure, if you live your life by the way the world tells you to live, you will hold a grudge. In fact, you will live by those worldly words stating: “I do not get mad, I get even.” Christ models a different lifestyle for His children. He showed you the way by forgiving others. Christ modeled forgiveness and commanded Christians to forgive others, too. Learn to keep a short fuse! Forgive them now!
