"Always forgive your enemies- nothing annoys them so much." Oscar Wilde
It's not always easy to forgive, especially in cases where the offender hasn't apologized. The Bible tells us in Romans 12:20 that showing compassion to your enemy is like "heaping burning coals on his head." This reference was to indicate that not only would the enemy feel a burning guilt over his actions, but he would possibly even repent. There was an ancient Egyptian ritual in which a guilty party had to carry a basin of heated coals on his head as a sign of repentance. I don't know if that is what Paul was referencing, but the idea is the same either way- when we show compassion and forgiveness, we honor God. We put our enemies to shame. And hopefully, through this act of mercy, the offender will be stirred to repentance. But even if this person who has wronged you does not ever make it right, apologize, treat you how you should be treated...by forgiving that person, you are allowing yourself to be free! Holding onto a grudge hurts you more than your enemy. Are there people in your life that you need to forgive? Pray about it and let God start working in your heart today.
"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:12-13
Journey on!