Why We Should Forgive

Matthew 5:7

"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." 

According to The Power New Testament, the phrase "to be merciful" is a Hebrew idiom meaning to be forgiving. The Lord Jesus further said in Mt. 6:14-15, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." 

It is sad to note that today's generation is becoming more violent and unforgiving. He's not out in the street throwing a Molotov bomb or in a dark alley holding a knife. He's becoming savage with his fingers.

Just look on any website that has the option to post comments and you will almost always find cutie cutie nice remarks from people who just want to "express" themselves.

As an example, the video of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's farewell speech in Youtube generated 217 comments that are basically either anti-Gloria or anti-Noynoy:

"wow another person that support evil.go ahead and burn in hell when you die. there is no justice in the philippines, a lot of criminals was not convicted. and talking about my sponge-like mind?yeah i am dumb thats why intelligent people as your self and the ARROYOS are taking advantage of. i rather be dumb and be rightful than be intelligent with a corrupted heart. we are not permanent resident of this world, i hope you invest well on your after life. "

"BULOK NA SISTEMA!!! MGA SALOT SA LIPUNAN...DAPAT SA INYOY........... ITUMBA3X!!!! 

I tried to pick a couple of the most polite comments posted. 

This is our society today, a passive-aggressive generation who found the perfect medium (internet) to express their bitterness and resentment within the confines of their own room. We hate our parents, we hate our leaders, we even hate ourselves hence the emo movement.

Some of the hate and bitterness may be legitimate, but let us learn to forgive those who've wronged us (and yes, even the most corrupt leaders). It is more for us than for them:

1. We become wise when we are full of mercy (Jas. 3:17).

2. We sow forgiveness, we reap forgiveness (Gal. 6:7). 

3. Our eternity depends on being forgiven (Mk. 11:25).

"What if he is unrepentant?!" He will reap what he sowed, and so shall we. That's why we must choose to forgive.

Matthew 18:21-22: "Then Peter came to him and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times, but up to seventy times seven."

It is still easier to forgive a man who wronged you a thousand times than to forgive a man who never wronged you at all. God says, Forgive!