“You will keep your friends if you forgive them, but you will lose your friends if you keep talking about what they did wrong.” (Proverbs 17:9; CEV)
Most translations say you are exhibiting love when you forgive a friend. It’s true. Mercy and grace are extended when forgiveness is given. How would we even know what mercy and grace were if forgiveness for all we had ever done had not been offered? To forgive is the ultimate example of love. Since love is an action word it’s only right that it should be this way.
Forgiving is one thing, but letting it go is quite another. While we do need to remember such things so as to avoid their recurrence, to beat on the wrong doer like a drum regarding the offense is counterproductive. That’s the opposite of mercy and grace and is to be avoided. If not, you will not only lose a friend but perhaps may even drive them from their faith.
Even though we may be hurt by an indiscretion done to us, to not forgive is contrary to the example God set for us. Christ forgave far more than we will ever be asked to forgive and still maintains unconditional love for us all. Forgive and then let the matter go. It’s the way God intended us to settle such matters. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!
(CEV) - Contemporary English Version
