The power of Forgiveness

The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest… the first to forget is the happiest

Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT states the following:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. ³² Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” 

Why is it so hard for us to forgive someone who has hurt or betrayed us? Why do you need to forgive others when they have wronged us? Why do we need to ask for forgiveness when we have wronged others?
About a month ago I read the awful story of Elliot Rodger from the USA, who stabbed his 2 roommates and another student to death, before fatally shooting 2 girls and one other male student. Before this, he had penned a 141-page manifesto, and also posted a video online saying he would annihilate all women. His hatred for women had gone to such extremes that it went over to this action. He did all these things, because a female childhood friend teased and bullied him. This affected him deeply, as this was the first female he ever had feelings for. Because of this, he developed a strong hatred for all women. In a recent interview however, this female childhood friend could not even remember him. This is very sad and ironic…

This could also be applicable to us. Sometimes we have unforgiving tendencies towards others, but they or the other person, are unaware that you feel this way. Forgiveness creates freedom, in other words, it sets you and the other person free. If you forgive someone, you are able to move forward. Not forgiving someone also steals your happiness.  Forgiving someone is a big step to take. I think in many instances people are too prideful to forgive or to ask for forgiveness. If you are full of pride, God cannot use you. C.S Lewis wrote the following : “Pride is spiritual cancer; it eats up the every possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense” He forgives our sins, and I think He expects us to also forgive others.

The following videos are really touching, it is very good examples of forgiveness:

"Youth Pastor Does the Impossible After His Wife and Unborn Son Die in Car Accident - This Will Amaze You"

http://www.christianpost.com/buzzvine/youth-pastor-does-the-impossible-after-his-wife-and-unborn-son-die-in-car-accident-this-will-amaze-you-video-113121//

C.S Lewis also said the following: “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."

Your decision to forgive someone, might just be a testimony for others and will inspire them to forgive someone else