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It was 22 years ago when I arrived in Canada and chose Calgary, Alberta to be my home. Leaving my family and friends behind, it was a new adventure for me to be in a new country without knowing anyone. That was the time I looked for a Filipino community paper and never found any, [...]
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Page added on August 17, 2009

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To err is human, to forgive divine

By Pastor Nilo

A husband who seems grumpy and complaining shares his emotional load with his friend. He said, “Whenever my wife and I argue on something, she becomes historical.” His friend tried to correct him saying, “Isn’t it hysterical?” “No,” he replied, “simply historical because she brings back the past and talks about it!”

The English idiomatic expression. “To err is human, to forgive divine” has been very much in the circle of humanity. At some point in every human relationship where imperfection is a given, you would need to forgive or be forgiven unless otherwise you don’t commit a sin and shies away from the luxury of forgiveness, which is far-fetched of every human spirit.

To forgive is a matter of will not by feelings. If you’re offended and you feel it’s impossible to forgive because you’re badly hurt and still feel the pain, don’t wait until your feeling subsides. Act on your will and forgive because it is healthy for you. Unforgiveness in one’s heart can become a stronghold of evil if one allows it to be nurtured. In the passing of time, it can breed other ill feelings of bitterness, hatred, jealousy, revenge and other grave negative thoughts that would rob you of happiness and peace, not to mention the spiritual turmoil it brings along.

To forgive is divine in the sense that you’re showing a God-like character. You are manifesting gracious mercy to those forgiven, and it gives joy to the Lord. To forgive is not to remember. You may not forget the hurt it had caused you, but let’s get benefit from the old folks’ traditional wisdom which says, “Bury the hatchet!” And this is exemplified in practice by not remembering the past that had wounded you. You can sleep better and enjoy life by not being a captive to anyone.

Finally, let’s nurture the word of life that when you forgive, it cleanses your soul. Remember the foremost of all truth — to forgive is commanded by Jesus in Matthew 6:14, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” As I’ve always stressed, life is a journey in which we’re all travelers passing through, so don’t carry a heavy load; travel light with a clean conscience and a pure heart because blessed are the ones whose heart are pure for they will see God!

Pastor Nilo Briones shepherds the Bible-believing church of “Jesus Word of Life International Fellowship” congregated at 222 Sandarac Drive NW, Salvation Army Building in Calgary, AB with schedule of services every Saturday at 5:00-6:00 p.m. Bible Study (for children/youth/adult) and worship at 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. If you need to be ministered with prayers, feel free to call at (403) 275-1827 or (403) 973-0623 or e-mail at [email protected]. [ God’s mission, Our Mission: to preach the gospel, feed the hungry, and share the love of Christ.]

To err is human, to forgive divine

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