Hemali AdhiyaDid you know that the world celebrates International Forgiveness Day every year? We hear so many people talk about how we should forgive others and how it is one of the most selfless acts we can perform. Plus, we also know that the benefits of forgiveness bend more towards the forgiver and less towards the person who upsets others.
Insightfully speaking, a Christian Embassy initiated this day to dedicate to all those who have in them the power to forgive but haven’t been able to do it yet. Tell me, do we ever go back to those episodes when someone upset us? Of course, we do! We think about it and replay the incident until it enrages us again. Why don’t we change things around to respect the Global Forgiveness Day 2019 celebrated on the 7th of September? Shall we decide not to replay the episode, and vow to forgive those involved in it?
Hold that thought, and let me convince you into doing this! The Holy Bible speaks and inspires people to live a life of forgiveness. To begin with, did you know that the word ‘forgive’ has three hidden meanings? No, right?
Well, then here’s my version of decoding this word.
Meaning 1: Forgive
Let’s begin with the simplest and the most apparent sense that comes across. Amongst the many beautiful bible verses on forgiveness, one that is striking and inspiring is:
Make allowances for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
– Colossians 3:13
You have to trust me when I say this, that truly so, God forgives us every single day of our lives. When we forget to pray, when we disrespect someone, when we gossip, when you behave selfishly… you ask for forgiveness, and if he sees a clear conscience and a pure soul, he will bestow you with forgiveness.
Why then is it so hard for us humans to forgive one another? I’m not trying to give you a piece of religious advice, but I am trying to tell you, that holding grudges is the bitterest sentiment. Break the shackles that hold you back until you can accept that every episode is a learning experience. That person who upset you will have to answer for himself, and you for yourself.
There is no place better than to be in the light, and there is a radiant light in forgiveness!
Meaning 2: For
Split the word ‘forgive’ and expand your imagination on its prefix word, ‘for.’ The purpose we should take from here is to stand FOR your people no matter what. By ‘no matter what’ I mean that it is possible someone has upset or disappointed you. But if they are in despair and need, then ‘forgive’ them at that moment and stand ‘for’ their happiness.
If you can have a bigger heart and stand ‘for’ the joy of people who you don’t know, then, what can I say? Man, are you blessed! Fight ‘for’ them, stand ‘for’ & not against them, and see how magically the situation changes for the both of you. And you know why you should do that? The more you learn to be there ‘for’ the people around you, the more will God be there ‘for’ you!
Let us be a little thankful here; God gave his only son to sacrifice ‘for’ our sins; didn’t he? Are we seriously grumbling about petty issues and letting negativities control our relationships?
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
-Ephesians 4:32
Meaning 3: ‘Give’
We split the word ‘forgive’ and kept the suffix ‘give’ in cold storage all this while. Let’s thaw and defrost it for a better and peaceful life, shall we? Let me repeat the same line I mentioned above, but with a different meaning altogether- God ‘gave’ his only son to sacrifice for our sins. That is the kind of giving I am talking about. I know we cannot match the Almighty’s extent of ‘giving’ but can we not do it in our own little ways?
What should you ‘give’ then? ‘Give’ forgiveness to start with. I mean, of course, it is a bonus to give other things to those in need whenever and however you can. But kindness and forgiveness are harder to ‘give’ but so soothing to receive. Distribute to people the positive emotions that come to you for free- love, warmth, affection, time, forgiveness, kindness, empathy, etc.! The more you give, the more you will receive.
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
–Matthew 10:8
At the same time, remember to never ‘Give up’!
Final Word
Here are my final thoughts on global forgiveness day: This year, we should strive to make it more like a ‘personal forgiveness day.’ Share this article with the people you want to forgive, or wish to seek forgiveness from as the first step towards a healed relationship! On this 7th of September, let us ‘forgive,’ be there ‘for’ our people, and ‘give’ to others the best version of us!
We wish you a very liberating ‘International Forgiveness Day.’
Will you do this on this Teacher’s Day?
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