Our life in this world is filled with problems. We face daily challenges and struggles.
And it really doesn't matter where we go. These troubles and hardships confront us
causing us to have fear and anxiety.
There are even times when problems become so severe that others feel helpless and miserable.
Well, in the face of such problems, it is but natural for people to seek for
a solution.
There is a global problem in our society today which affects people in all walks of life
and which contributes to the loss of harmony and cooperation in our communities.
What is this widespread problem?
It is the inability to forgive others.
And if not addressed and resolved, can result in dire consequences, not only for those directly involved,
but even for innocent bystanders.
How could one's inability to forgive create problems?
Often times when someone doesn't want to forgive, thoughts of revenge enter their mind.
But what does the Bible teach as the proper response?
In Matthew 5:38-39, our Lord Jesus Christ teaches this:
Retaliation or revenge against those who have hurt us
is never the solution.
In fact, it begins sometimes a never ending cycle of pain.
How should we deal with anger according to the Bible?
This is what is stated in Ephsians 4:26:
Anger is a normal response to conflict.
People react in different ways when they are under the influence of anger.
However, the Bible teaches that we should not sin by remaining angry.
Now, what are some ways that we can cope with anger?
#1. When you're upset, pause and count slowly to 10 while taking deep breaths.
This can prevent us from saying or doing things which would only aggravate the situation further.
#2. Take time to cool off.
Finding a tranquil setting and relaxing can help us to calm ourselves down and lower our stress levels.
#3. Don't do anything motivated by anger.
Approach the source of your anger rationally, not emotionally.
Talk calmly with the one with whom you have a conflict.
And don't let emotions overtake you.
But when it comes to resolving conflicts, we should bear in mind that
this should be done immediately so that our service to God will not be adversely affected.
The Bible admonishes us in Matthew 5:23-24 the following:
So we should reconcile immediately with our fellow man.
How should we reconcile with those with whom we've had disagreements or misunderstandings?
In Ephesians 4:31-32, this is also the testimony the Bible gives:
We need to learn then, how to forgive.
But what kind of forgiveness should we show or exude against those who may have done us wrong?
It is the same forgiveness that God has given us.
But after forgiving our fellow man, should we then keep a record of wrongs that they've done against us?
This is also what the Bible says, this time in I Corinthians 13:4 and 5:
So no. We should not keep a record of wrongs
and even if there are those who have done us wrong, we should also be slow to anger.
Now, should we feel that we are somehow at a losing end if we
swallow our pride and forgive those with whom we have had a conflict or who have done us wrong?
Let us read what the Lord Jesus Christ again teaches
in Matthew 5:44-45:
Though forgiving and forgetting the wrongs that others have done to us
may not be the easiest solution to arrive at, it it still nevertheless the best solution,
for by learning to forgive, we not only keep ourselves from sin and maintain peace with our fellow men,
but we also create peace within ourselves
and more importantly, we show that we recognize God's mercy and forgiveness to us
and that we are indeed, His children.
So no matter what the problem, no matter how great the challenge,
and even against all odds, just remember to trust in God
and He will always provide us the solution.