Forgive One Another 彼此饒恕

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

During this pandemic, families have isolated themselves but at the same time gotten under each other’s nerves. Proximity for a long period of time can cause friction to develop. Hurts and bitterness grow.

God calls us to forgive others, but how do we do that? Here are three ways to help you let go of your pain, hurt, and bitterness.

1. Recognize that no one is perfect. Colossians 3:13 (NLT) says, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others”.

2. Relinquish your right to get even.  Romans 12:19 (Mess) says, “Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.””

3. Respond to evil with good. Romans 12:21 (NIV) says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Getting even only brings you down to the other person’s level. Take the high road instead.

Don’t go another day with resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness in your heart. Start practicing these choices and move on to live the life God created you to live.

並要以恩慈相待，存憐憫的心，彼此饒恕，正如　神在基督裡饒恕了你們一樣。 ～以弗所書4: 32 ～

在這疫情流行期間，大家居家隔離，也造成了家人陷入彼此的矛盾之中。長時間近距離相處會導致摩擦加劇，增加了彼此間的傷害和痛苦。

上帝呼召我們饒恕，但是該怎麼做呢？以下三種方法有助於走出痛苦、傷害與苦毒：

1. 認識到沒有人是完美的。歌羅西書3:13說：「倘若這人與那人有嫌隙，總要彼此包容，彼此饒恕；主怎樣饒恕了你們，你們也要怎樣饒恕人。」

2. 放棄扯平的權利。羅馬書12:19 說：「不要自己伸冤，寧可讓步，聽憑主怒；因為經上記著─主說：『伸冤在我，我必報應。』」

3. 以善待惡。羅馬書12:21　說：「你不可為惡所勝，反要以善勝惡。」追求扯平只會使人跌落到對方的高度，要有更高的眼光。

別讓你的日子活在不滿、苦毒和怨恨（不饒恕）之中，選擇操練上述原則，忘記背後努力面前，活出神創造你的該有的生活。

～ Rev. Jireh Lin 林以勒牧師～