The way of the Lord is full of challenges and learning. Forgiveness is one of the great challenges we have as brothers and sisters in our lives. Know the reasons we have to forgive those who offend us.

“One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend.“ Proverbs 17:9

Because God taught us that we should love one another. The divine law by excellence, the purest love legacy with which Christ blessed us, not only leaving it stagnant in the lessons of the Holy Scriptures, but endorsing His words with actions. Let us remember to strive a little more every day  to nourish the virtue of forgiveness and therefore love our neighbor unconditionally, equally for both those who love us and those who have offended us.

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
Because to forgive is to understand, and to understand is to love. We must only nurture the virtue of empathy, which will guide us down the path of understanding. Only at that point will we be able to put ourselves in the place of another and understand what motivated them to cause the offense. Through the act of true and sincere repentance will we get a glimpse of the threshold of true forgiveness. And it is not in any other way but through this, that we will really understand the nature of our neighbors, since by understanding them we can forgive them.

“Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Colossians 3:13

Because if God in His perfection has the humility to forgive us daily then we must do the same. Because that is the only way we will honor and glorify Our Lord. Staying active in God's path means a constant effort fighting against the different obstacles that will develop new virtues within us, and these will serve as weapons to fight selfishness and overcome it through the act of forgiveness.

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Because when we forgive, we grow as people. Through our sincerity when we repent, the doors of true forgiveness are opened wide. That is how we will experience growth at a spiritual level, that will be reflected in our individual life experiences, and will result in our growth as good people. Let's grow today by forgiving those who have offended us.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37

Because the power of the message spreads itself. Keep in mind that not only is it important for us to access genuine forgiveness, but it is also our task as worthy children of God, that His message be shared reaching as many people as possible. Let us think of all those to whom the word of God has not yet reached and imagine how the Lord's presence could change their lives.