Influence: Forgiveness

The last point to ponder that I posted on December 12, 2023, titled “As You are Going” mentioned two of the people that I owe so much of who I am today. The point of that post was how we can change people’s lives just as we are going through life being who God desires us to be.

Today, I this point to ponder will also mention those two people, my grandmother was passed away in 2006 and one of my aunts who is still living and is still a driving force for who I am today. These two women have been a great “Influence” in my life when it comes to “forgiveness” which is a necessity to have eternal life.

I would like to share two encounters in my life. The first was with my grandmother. As I recall I was about 16 years old when we were just sitting, and she began to tell me about some events in her life that hurt her because of the way she was treated by those who should have loved her. As we neared the end of the conversation, she saw that my demeanor and emotions had changed at this point and she asked, “What is wrong?” My reply to her was, “I upset because of the way those who were close to you did you so wrong.” My grandmother’s response still resonates with me today, she said, “If it doesn’t bother me, please don’t let it bother you.” Forgiveness!

I imagine you like myself have suffered hurt by those who are supposed to love you and want what is best for you. Like me you probably have those in your circle of relationships who know when you have been hurt and because of their love for you, their emotions and mental disposition is affected. Forgiveness not only free’s us of being a prisoner but it also free’s those who are close to us!

My second encounter was with my aunt. I was around 19 years old. For those who have never met my aunt, she could be described as; selfless, sacrifice, love, kindness, tenderhearted, giving, humble, and forgiving. During one of our conversations, I asked her, “How can you be the way that you are?” Once again, her response has been engraved on my heart and mind. She replied, “There is nothing or no one in this world that is worth me going to hell over.” Forgiveness!

When I read the Holy Word of God, there is nothing clearer than, “to receive forgiveness we must be able to forgive, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Mt. 6:14,15).” Jesus not only taught about forgiveness, but He also perfectly demonstrated it when he had been betrayed by a friend (Judas), falsely accused, scourged, spit on, mocked, and nailed to a tree (the Cross). Even after enduring all this torture, “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots (Lk. 23:34).

I’m sure as you have gone through and continue to go through life you are going to encounter hurt from others. Please ponder on the point of forgiveness! Forgiveness is something that we all must have if Heaven is our desired destination, but it is also something we must give! There is so much more to be said on forgiveness, but it is my hope that you get the point!