"What We Get When We ForGIVE"
Posted on July 31, 2025
By John Coleman
“When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7)
A reporter was interviewing an elderly man celebrating his 100th birthday.
“What are you most proud of?” he asked.
“Well,” said the man, “I don’t have an enemy in the world.”
“That’s quite an achievement!” said the reporter.
“Yes,” added the centenarian, “I outlived every last one of them.”
That’s one way to deal with your enemies—but that is not God’s way. We are told to love those who curse us, but how does that apply to our daily lives? For you this may mean reconciling with a neighbor over a trivial issue, trying to repair a broken relationship with a family member, or a close friend who betrayed your confidence and harmed your reputation. One of the reasons we are told to forgive our enemies is because when we do, we benefit from it.
Forgiveness not only releases those who have hurt us, it frees us from the hurt at the same time!
Don’t let your anger or bitterness control your actions; focus on gratitude and continue in personal and spiritual growth. Don’t forgive just because it’s fun and feels good, because it certainly doesn’t. Forgive because the Bible tells us to.
Forgive because we are forgiven!
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John Coleman is the Chief Content Officer for the Master Life Coach Training Institute, a university academic counselor and professor of psychology and the Bible, a certified life coach, and a pastor.
“I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Gives Me Strength.” - Philippians 4:13
The Bible tells us that we "all have sinned and fallen short of the God's glory" (Romans 3:23). The good news is: that's not the end of the story. God's only son, Jesus, was sent to our world to die for our sins (Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 2:24). All we have to do is believe in Him and we will have eternal life (John 3:16). If you want to know more about about Jesus and how He can change your life, let us know how we can encourage and pray for you.
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