It’s no easy feat to forgive someone over and over again, especially for the same wrong. It’s as if they aren’t sincere and has no desire to stop. But God did not mean forgiveness for only the offending party. Forgiveness works equally well for the offended too. Releasing someone from the wrong they did or continue to do to you is freeing your heart to receive God’s abundant grace and peace.

Violence is never welcome. Avenging one’s self is not the answer. We are to strive for a peaceful resolution to whatever conflict is faced. Living with anger, hurt and resentment will make us unlovable individuals. The “eye for eye” civil statute will leave many blind, without a body part, or dead; but, in the better way to live, forgiveness is king. Joseph practiced it when he forgave his brothers for kidnapping and selling him into slavery.

When you repay insult with a blessing, you are gaining the victory: over the devil – he cannot gain a foothold in your life; over your enemy – your life will be a testimony and God will work on them to bring about a change; and over yourself – you will be strengthened to face the next challenge. Let’s be children of light and rejoice when persecution comes.

Even though you may not be the offender, you should take steps to make it right. Leave your gift of prayer, thanksgiving, tithes and offerings and go make it right. Confess your faults and ask to be forgiven.

Jesus’ instructions to His hearers are very much applicable to us today. Settling matters quickly can be cost effective. We have been taught conflict resolution and mediation skills. If those fail, the next option is the legal system-- which should be treated as a last resort.

So, have you ever made a pledge and dishonor it? God will forgive you. Next time, do not pledge and do not swear. Practice transparency in your life so that others can take you at your word. Then say ‘yes’ or say ‘no’. If people fail to believe you, that’s too bad. Just be certain that between you and God, you spoke the truth. Let your conversation be ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Anything else is evil.

Jesus’ response to the hurt, anger, resentment, and revenge in their faces and hearts toward their oppressors wasn’t a popular or welcomed one. It made Jesus sad to tell them something different than what they wanted to hear. What they heard was: “Do not resist. Go the extra mile. Go over and beyond the call of duty. Be agreeable. Respect authority.” Jesus only reiterated what they already knew, but the anger in their hearts tricked them into believing that they wanted otherwise.

Like Jesus Christ, we can choose to conquer our enemies by doing good, or we can be conquered by our hate and malice. We can choose to use good deeds as our weapon or we can use the same weapon of revenge that our enemies used. We can choose to heap coals of fire on their heads or we can keep the smile on their faces as they gloat over us. We can choose peace by fanning, and keep fanning the flames of our fire of coals, or we can chose to be miserable and defeated.

Revenge and grudges give energy to animosity leading to destruction and this should not be so among God’s children. We need to stop holding grudges and revenge against each other; and treat our each other as we would want to be treated. Moses was right on point when he instructed the Israelites to love their neighbor as themselves. The instruction is ours too. Let’s say no to revenge and grudges and love each other as ourselves.

You can claim God’s forgiveness and rise up and walk. Rise up and walk away from guilt and shame, from the enemy’s constant reminder of what you did. Yes, in faith, reach out to Jesus. Your sins are forgiven. It’s time you get past your past, and rise up and walk. Do not let guilt and shame hold you captive any longer. Close out the critical eyes and lips of the Pharisees and teachers of the law around you and focus only on Jesus’ pardoning grace. Then, in faith, rise up and walk.