Daily Devotional #1,780

I read a story about two men who were talking and the conversation turned towards their fathers. One guy said  that he hated his father and if he ever saw him again, he would let him know how he felt about him. The guy he  was talking to said simply, “You have to forgive him.” The first guy started off again about how bad his dad  had been and the second guy said, “You don’t do it for him…you do it for you!” He continued “That man  might be able to make you angry, he might be able to make you hate him. He might even be able to make you  want to physically harm him. But he can never make you forgive him…and he can’t stop you from forgiving  him either. If you will forgive him, you will finally release his hold over you.” There is real truth in that, but  where do we find the strength and moral will to forgive others who have hurt us? When the Apostle Paul wrote  his letter to the Colossians, he told them to remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. On  that cross, Jesus’ prayer for those who condemned him, nailed him and jeered him was simply “Father, forgive  them, because they have no idea what they are doing.” Forgiveness is hard, it is costly…our forgiveness cost  the life of the Son of God. He knows the price of forgiveness, and he gives the strength to forgive others.  Those who have hurt you can’t make you forgive them, nor can they keep you from forgiving them. And the  one who loves you the most and has never hurt you is asking you to forgive them today. Here’s our Bible verse  for today…  
Colossians 3:12-13 NLT Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with  tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (13) Make allowance for each other’s faults,  and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.  
Remember I’m praying for you…  
PJ