As humans, we all experience challenging and unfortunate situations with others. In most cases, when someone has wronged us, we tend to close the door on them. We fill our hearts with hate, mouths with gossip, and our souls with anger. But what we should be doing is ‘Forgiving’. Sometimes others do things because it is best for them; sometimes, they may say hurtful things, yet they didn’t realize it. Sometimes people do and say things because they are in a dark place and don’t know how to get out. Maybe hurting you was the only thing that made them feel better. No, this kind of behavior is not always right, but what should be right, is how you respond to the situation.

Most recently, I was listening to a mindfulness meditation, which said when you get angry – close your eyes, inhale for 6 seconds and exhale for 8 seconds (do this 5 times). On the last exhale, picture yourself holding a balloon (anger) and just let it float away. This feeling of letting it float away and never returning is refreshing. If you really think about it, why let others affect your attitude, rather than getting mad, just let it float away (as if it never happened).

This is how Jesus wants us to forgive. Today, set some time aside and grab your imaginary balloons and let them go. Love unconditionally, let that hatred, anger, dislike, and hardened heart fly away and open your heart to love.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you”. Ephesians 4:32

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven. Matthew 18:21-22