Todays Bite is about forgiving from Lee Strobel’s book, God’s Outrageous Claims. Jesus tells his followers to love our enemies, rivals, dissenters, hard to get along withs, “…we aren’t being asked to LIKE the person… but to treat them AS THOUGH we like them – because that is a decision of our will.”

Forgiving someone who has hurt you has emotional, physical, relational, spiritual health, as well as kingdom benefits. We don’t so much hold a grudge as the grudge holds us. Anger denies joy along with all its good endorphins and their healing power. It isolates and alienates us, and erodes relationships as it shortens and damages our own life. It keeps us from drawing others closer to God since an angry bitter person cant reflect God’s image.  One study surveyed male U. of North Carolina medical school grads on feelings of anger and forgiveness, then followed them for 25 years. “The physicians with hidden hostilities died at a rate 6 times greater than those who had more forgiving attitudes.”

Think back…I really do try to get it right, but sometimes I fail badly. If I have offended you, please, forgive me. Maybe we can start over.

“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18

Father in Heaven, forgive me my offenses as I forgive those who have offended me.