...Make the first move; make things right...

Matthew 5:25 TM
Grudges will hold you back. You'll never get ahead as long as you are trying to get even with somebody. Never! Jesus said: "Make the first move; make things right." When you've been hurt by a friend's backstabbing, a teacher's unfair treatment, or a parent's careless words, unforgiveness will cost you more than just your temper. It will damage your relationships, distract you from your work, accelerate the aging process, cause stress and depression, make you feel unhealthy, and stop you from enjoying life. Forgiveness, on the other hand, wipes the slate clean and reverses much of the damage that has already been done. People, who forgive, feel better about them selves and feel less stressed. Check out these two Scriptures: a) "Do not laugh when your enemy falls. Do not crow over his collapse" (Proverbs 24:17 TM). b) "If you see your enemy hungry...buy that person lunch; if he is thirsty...get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him..." (Romans 12:20 TM). Do you remember when you were little, a friend took your toy and you thought you would hate them forever? But minutes later you were back playing together like nothing ever happened. Well, Jesus said that unless you learn to think like a child, you won't enjoy the benefits of His kingdom. Children don't dwell on the past; they live in the present, never worry about the future, and forgive quickly. That's a great strategy for life! So, ask yourself today: "Who do I need to forgive?" Then do it as quickly as possible!

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