Recently, I was speaking to a friend of mine who I respect. Our relationship allows us to be transparent. He has a very responsible position in the community and is regarded as a leader in his church. I knew he and another man in the same profession had some serious differences over the past few years.  

During our conversation, I asked

if they had ever made peace with each other. He said, “I tried and

was willing to meet him halfway,

but no, we haven’t mended our

differences.” I asked if he thought that meeting someone halfway was God’s way. Before he could answer,

I said, “No, when God settles a

dispute, He

meets us all the way.”  

I then asked if he ever considered asking the other person to forgive him for whatever caused the conflict. He said, “Not really,” and defensively added, “But it wasn’t my fault.” I shared that in any disagreement, one party always takes pride in having the last word. “Did you ever consider that forgiveness is a godly way of having the last word and allowing both parties to be set free?” I asked.

As we ended our conversation, I felt like he had a desire to take the necessary action to make things right.  

On the way home, I remember being in bondage to unforgiveness for a few years until someone advised me to take the first step in making amends. When I did that, I felt like the weight of the world was lifted from my shoulders.  

The power of forgiveness frees you from the grip of a negative force. It allows you to think more positively in everyday life. It also puts you in a position where God can bless you and, most of all, it teaches little people how to be big people.

In Col. 3:12-14, Paul writes: “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each

other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love.”

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA70084, call 985-652-8477, or email hkeller@comcast.net.