John ESENE

     If a man is in the habit of forgiving offences committed against him, it will be easier for him to travel fast when he dies.  “The gate to life is narrow and the way that leads to it is hard, and there are few people who find it.” Mt. 7:14. If you store the offences committed against you by others in a bag, how will you pass that narrow gate with it? “Keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world” says George Bernard Shaw.

     Our case study for today is about Rose who was on her way for job-interview when a driver drove carelessly and splashed dirty water on her clothes. The car owner rebuked her driver and came back to plead for forgiveness. But rather than forgive them, Rose pushed the old woman violently to the ground and cursed her and her driver. Rose proudly said to them, “Yes; 50 and 50!” and went away. Luckily for Rose, she bought new clothes, dropped the stained ones and arrived there just when it was her turn for the interview. On entering the office, the CEO was the same woman Rose disgraced few minutes earlier. So, Rose lost the job because of her impatience.  Note that I am not blaming Rose but want us to learn a lesson from this event!

   Two wrongs cannot make a right; besides, know when and how to fight for your right! When Joseph was thrown into the well and later sold as a slave, he did not fight back but rather put his trust in God who eventually uplifted him. When Daniel was falsely accused and thrown into lion’s den, he did not fight back but he relied on the God of justice who protected him.

      When you are at fault, be humble enough to say, “I’m sorry; please forgive me!” Do not allow pride to deny you the fulfillment of God’s plan to elevate you to a position of honor.  At a time like this, run to Jesus who has the power to stop your raging storm and he will deliver you from the evil one. Do not tell God you have a big problem rather tell your problem you have a big God. Make yourself available to God and he will make you capable of possessing his grace to overcome your problems. 

     People of God, guide your mind or your mind will cage you.  When next you have a feeling of hatred for someone, even if you have genuine reason for hating him, reconcile with him to avoid incurring debt payable in purgatory or hell.  “A brother helped is like a strong city, but quarrelling is like the bars of a castle” Prov18:19. Pray for the grace to hear and recognize God’s voice and be humble to do his will always.

    You can fight for your right but not all the time. When your situation becomes chaotic, and your anger boils up, all you need do is to commit yourself and your problems into God’s hand wholeheartedly and wait on Him to decide your faith.

      Do you have problem with anybody? Go to God for counselling and the grace to resolve it amicably. “If the Lord does not build the house, in vain will its builders labour.” Psalm 127:1. Trust in God who created you and pray for His Divine guardians and protection over you and other people. It is only when you pray and do your very best for others  that you can say in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, “While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power of your name.” Jn 17:12

     James consoles us in 1:2-4 when he said, “My brothers, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way, because you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure. Be sure that your endurance carries you all the way, without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

     “Forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the high cost of hatred and the waste of energy. Never is God operating so strong in your life as when you forgo revenge and dare to forgive an injury” John Mason. Ask God for the grace to forgive others as soon as they hurt you to enable you live in peace. Dear readers, make up your mind today to forgive all those who hurt you in any way to enable you ask for the forgiveness of all your sins. And if you have no one to forgive, you can forgive me for troubling you with my humble opinion!

     David spared Saul’s life as reported in 1 Samuel 24:1-22. The entire chapter was dedicated to this event. Saul blessed David saying, “How often does a man catch his enemy and then let him get away unharmed? The Lord bless you for what you have done to me today! Now I am sure that you will be king of Israel and that the kingdom will continue under your rule.” 1 Sam. 24:19-20.

    When you are tempted to revenge or fight for your right, remember how Jesus was patience with those who came to arrest Him for no just reason. Even when Peter revolted, Jesus stopped him from fighting for Him. Jesus knowing fully well that Judas was there to betray Him, He did not punish him. At Calvary while on the cross, many people mocked Jesus but He ignored them and said, “Forgive them Father! They don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34.

   “Be calm but vigilant, because your enemy the devil is prowling round like a roaring lion, looking for someone to eat. Stand up to him, strong in faith.” 1 Peter 5:8-9.  John Mason said, “Hate, bitterness and revenge are luxuries none of us can afford. Forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the high cost of hatred and the waste of energy.”

      Dear readers, thank God for giving you the grace to know the devil’s tactic and control your anger whenever it overwhelms you. But do not blame others. Rather, pray for them that God may protect them now and always! James consoles us in 1:2-4 when he said, “My brothers, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way, because you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure. Be sure that your endurance carries you all the way, without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”