Forgiveness could very well be
the hardest task Christians face.
There are so many factors involved
that can hinder its taking place.
Sometimes it just seems impossible
because the hurt is so deep.
Like a wounded animal, all we want to do
is lick our wounds and weep.

Often our pride gets in the way.
We think we can't be "forgetters".
We're convinced that "getting even"
will surely make us feel better.
Many times it's other people
who get in our way of forgiving.
They mean well, but give us bad advice
for the life we should be living.

To forgive we must first realize
that forgiveness is a gift from God.
We are totally incapable on our own
without His spiritual prod.
We must come to grips with the fact--
even in the midst of our strife,
That forgiveness is a powerful witness
to the Grace of God in our life.

By refusing this gift of forgiveness,
our chances are very, very slim
Of having the kind of realtionship
God wants us to have with Him.
Unforgiveness--like a strong acid,
hurts the person on whom it's poured.
But it always does more damage
to the vessel in which it's stored.