Forgiveness

          It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend.

          How quick do we ask for forgiveness and forgive others? Nothing will make our soul smaller than to refuse to ask for or grant forgiveness. Forgiveness is that wonderful expression of love that God shows us through how He treats us and commands us to practice so we don't destroy each other.
          There are a number of reasons why we struggle to truly forgive others:

• Fairness: It'strue, forgiveness isn't fair. but if we all got only what we deserve, none of us would have a chance to be at peace with God and others. God wasn't fair with us as sinners- He was merciful.
• Pride: We also struggle to forgive because of pride. If we "let someone off the hook," we wonder how we can feel good about ourselvesand whether others will just take advantage of us. God wants us to love and respect ourselves, but He also wants us to show mercy to others like what we He has with us.
• Deep hurts: Some people have hurt us- and really looking for forgiveness. This makes forgiveness extremely difficult and painful. In some cases, forgiving others doesn't guarantee we will have a good relationship with a person- or shoul be around them. But even if forgiveness doesn't change that person- it doesn't change you for the better in your heart.

          The world would be much better place if everyone sought and extend forgiveness, All we are required to do is to start in our own heart.

-What Matters Most to Teenagers