Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32 NIV)
My father was a forgiving man. I can honestly say that he wasn’t one to hold grudges. He never preached about forgiveness, but he sure practiced it. My dad was always good to everyone, including those who were not so kind to him. We admired his ability to show kindness and compassion to those who didn’t seem worthy of it. Now I realize that it’s what filled his life with more peace, joy and purpose. Most importantly, however, as a father, he showed us how forgiving God is towards all of His children.
Life’s too short to be unhappy. -Unknown
Forgiveness is costly. It cost God His only Son. It’s going to cost us something too when we choose to extend it to others. But I believe that there’s no better trait to have in life than to be forgiving. Let’s face it, we’re going to get hurt and we’re going to hurt others at some point because we’re imperfect people. But it’s in letting go of the offence that we not only liberate others, but also ourselves. I want to leave this world in the same way my father did, knowing that there’s no outstanding debt left, except the debt of love (Romans 13:8).
Rising with the Son 