Word for the day: "The Power of Forgiveness"

Colossians 3:12 (NIV) OTherefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.Without true forgiveness, the root of bitterness will inevitably tear our relationships apart. No relationship or family will hold together for long if the people involved are unable to grant forgiveness. I don't just mean saying the words "I forgive you" but actually expressing to your spouse, child, parent, or friend with your actions that demonstrate genuine forgiveness. Think about it; giving voice to forgiveness might create some peace temporarily, but when that forgiveness isn't evidenced by the way you live, true reconciliation can never be your outcome. Consider a lesson we can learn from a man who went before us in the scriptures. Absalom, the third son of King David, suffered much and also caused much suffering because forgiveness wasn't a part of his life. When Absalom discovered that his sister had been raped by his half-brother, anger and hatred built up in him for two years until he finally killed him. Then to escape the wrath of his father, he was on the run for a period of three years. And even after he returned he and his father, David, didn't speak to one another for two more years. And you thought your family had issues! Well, Absalom never regained the love he had for his father after all this pain, hurt, and despair. In fact, Absalom spent the rest of his life plotting and planning against his father, King David. His life ended while he led a rebellion against his father. Absalom is an example of the wasted years and broken hearts that can result when we harbor bitterness and are unwilling to forgive. (2 Samuel 13:1-38 is complete story) Sisters and brothers who is it that you need to forgive and be forgiven by this day? Why don’t you handle your business in this Kingdom season! Blessings and Love to you and yours. Elder Baker