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\nTherefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>and walk\u00a0continually\u00a0in love [that is, value one another\u2014practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance<\/em> (Ephesians 5:1-2, AMP).<\/p>\n We can ask God to show us when we need to apologize<\/strong> and\/or make amends for wrongs we have done, relying on the Holy Spirit and in God\u2019s Word for guidance. In John 16: 7-8, Jesus said, It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And when He comes,<\/em> He w<\/em>ill<\/em> convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment…<\/em><\/p>\n For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart <\/em>(Hebrews<\/em> 4:12).<\/p>\n When is it time to ask for others\u2019 forgiveness? <\/strong><\/p>\n *It\u2019s possible to do more harm than good if we tell someone, \u201cI\u2019m sorry; I\u2019ve been gossiping about you,\u201d or \u201cI\u2019ve been criticizing you behind your back.\u201d Elbert Hubbard said, \u201cReversing your treatment of the man you have wronged is better than asking for his forgiveness.\u201d If you\u2019ve practiced<\/strong> gossip or slander, stop<\/strong> immediately. Confess it to God<\/strong>, per 1 John 1:9, and wholeheartedly live in God\u2019s love, kindness, and Truth.<\/p>\n Colossians 3:23 urges us to work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men<\/em> (AMP). When people disappoint us, overlook our kindness, or disrespect what we\u2019ve done for them\u2014it\u2019s vital to remember to keep doing our work for the LORD!<\/strong><\/p>\n Dr. Fred Luskin, director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Project, defines forgiveness as \u201cthe feeling of peace that emerges as you take your hurt less personally, take responsibility for how you feel, and become a hero instead of a victim in the story you tell. Forgiveness is the experience of peacefulness in the present moment. Forgiveness does not change the past, but it changes the present.\u201d<\/p>\n Dear ones, let\u2019s live in forgiveness and love!<\/strong> Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; for I trust in You; teach me the way in which I should walk<\/em><\/strong>; for to You I lift up my soul<\/strong>\u201d <\/em>(Psalm 143:8, NASB). I\u2019m bankrupt without love.<\/em><\/strong> Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self.<\/strong> Love doesn\u2019t want what it doesn\u2019t have. Love doesn\u2019t strut, doesn\u2019t have a swelled head, doesn\u2019t force itself on others, isn\u2019t always \u2018me first,\u2019 doesn\u2019t fly off the handle, doesn\u2019t keep score of the sins of others, doesn\u2019t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end <\/em>\u00a0(1 Corinthians 13: 3b-7, MSG).<\/p>\n\n
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