2. Forgive others:
We’re living in a fallen sin-filled world where strife and conflict is constantly stoked by Satan. It’s all around us. Forgiveness is not that easy to do even for believers. It takes real effort on our part. It’s so easy to harden our hearts to slights, both real and imagined, but in the end we do far more injury to ourselves than to others. As disciples of Christ we desperately need God’s forgiveness of our trespasses, which God will freely do on one condition. In Matthew 18:35, Jesus says if we do not forgive others then God will not forgive us.
Therefore we must immediately forgive all those we hold grudges against. Take your grievances to God every day in prayer and give it to Him to handle. Forgive the transgressors and then forget about it. Move on with your life. You don’t know what’s inside a person, what they’re coping with. Only God can read the thoughts of men and assess the condition of the heart. Only God is the righteous judge of the deeds of men done in the flesh, whether good or bad. Scripture makes it clear it’s up to God alone to repay for evil done on earth. Ask God for the spirit of forgiveness every day as you emulate Jesus in your walk with God.
3. Don’t judge others:
Not judging others goes hand in hand with forgiving others. They are two sides of the same coin. The Bible is full of prophecies and Scripture warning against judging others. Judging others is also the responsibility of God alone and we are commanded by God not to do it or we risk condemnation ourselves. Ask God in prayer to help you not to judge others.
1 Corinthians 4:5 – Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.
Romans 14:10 – But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ.
Romans 14:12-13 – So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge on another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.
Romans 7:1-2 – Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.