Forgiveness

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”
– CS Lewis

My eyes widened and my eyebrows raised in disbelief as I read the words across the screen.  “You tuck your kids in bed and kiss them with that mouth?” is what I want to write, but didn’t (Mr. Wonderful wouldn’t let me -he’s the good conscious).  Instead, I scribbled down scripture I needed to meditate on, Proverbs 26:4, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly or you will be like him yourself.”  So, my choices were that I reply with kindness or I ignore it and just let them have the last word (even though they are SO wrong).

People, be nice.  And if you are a victim, I’m here to tell you to stop worrying about what others say or think, and sometimes, the anger directed toward you may actually not have anything to do with you at all.  That anger can unfortunately come from something else in that person’s life.  Yeah, I know, I didn’t sign up to be the punching bag either, but oh well, life isn’t always fair and not everyone in this world is sane.

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” – Romans 12:19.  It is so easy to want to seek revenge. We want the perpetrator to feel the same feelings you feel.  But, I’d encourage you, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21.  Remember, “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:15.

You don’t have to prove your righteousness or ridicule the other party, but I’d encourage you to walk on and not let evilness disrupt you heart, mind, or your relationship with God.  I tell my friends who battle with similar issues (like my fellow photographer friends who have mean clients): Be so good in what you do, that people will raise their eyes when someone says anything negative about you.

People can be nasty behind closed doors, especially behind a computer. Forgiveness = winning.  Even when they want to purposefully tick you off, meh, don’t let them.  Say a little prayer of good wishes their way, then move on.  You have better things to do with your time and emotions, like be nice and love people.

Diana Elizabeth is winning.