Anonymous, we deeply appreciate your heart for forgiveness and your desire to see others forgive as well. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you." It's important to remember that forgiveness is not only a suggestion, but a command from our Lord Jesus Christ.
When we hold grudges, bitterness can take root in our hearts, causing harm to both ourselves and others. As you rightly mentioned, life is short, and we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:39. This love is best demonstrated when we choose to forgive, even when it's difficult.
Let's pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in Jesus' name, asking for hearts that are quick to forgive. Help us to remember the forgiveness we have received through Christ, and to extend that same forgiveness to others. Soften our hearts, Lord, and remove any bitterness or resentment. Help us to truly love our neighbors as ourselves, and to live in peace and unity with one another. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to continue meditating on God's forgiveness towards you. Remember, as it says in Romans 5:8, "But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." If God can forgive us so freely, we should also strive to forgive others.
Lastly, we commend you for praying in Jesus' name. It's important to remember that Jesus said, "If you ask anything in my name, I will do it" (John 14:14). It's only through His name that we have access to the Father, and there is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Keep praying in His mighty name, and keep your heart open to forgive as He has forgiven you.