Each and everyone of us have weaknesses and faults we sometimes cannot help.  If you are fortunate enough to have taken control of your life and deal with your shortcomings then praise be to God.  However, not everyone is so fortunate.

If someone is not leading an ideal life or has done something awful to you, then you should not judge or condemn them.  We must always look for the good in that person – The Christ in him.

We were all created in God’s image which means we all have the potential to do good.  We may not always understand why some people do the things they do.  Sometimes circumstances in their life have led them to live as they do, but they are not necessarly ‘bad’.

The bible tells us “all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23)

We all have sinned and it is only through Jesus Christ can we be made free from sin.  If someone has chosen not to believe in Jesus, then we must pray for them and hope one day they turn their life around.

Seeing the Christ in others is what helps us to love everyone, including our enemies, for this is what Christ commanded us to do.

“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.  For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too.”  Matthew 5:44-45

When you hold hatred and malice in your heart you rob yourself of happiness and peace.  It literally destroys you.  You know, when somebody does you wrong, intentionally or otherwise, they may at some point, feel sorry for what they have done to you.  If they seek forgiveness from you, give it to them.  Let go of the hurt and pain and move on with your life.

“If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.  If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent’, forgive him.”  Luke 17:3-4 NIV

Another thing to keep in mind is, when you hold a grudge against someone, you are actually doing nothing to them.  They would probably go about their lives normally and happily, while you make yourself sick with feelings of hate and revenge.  It really makes no sense doing that to yourself.  The best way to avenge anyone is to show them love and leave their actions up to the Lord.

“Dear friends, never avenge yourselves.  Leave that to God.  For it is written,

‘I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it, says the Lord’. 

Instead do what the Scriptures say: ‘If your enemies are hungry, feed them.  If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you.’ 

Don’t let evil get the best of of you, but conquer evil by doing good.”  Romans 12:19-21

Most importantly, when we forgive others, we allow ourselves to be forgiven also.  You must remember our lives are infallible and there may come a time when we may do something to offend someone and look for forgiveness.  If you don’t know how to forgive, chances are you will not be forgiven, especially by the one who matters most – God.

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.  But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins”.  Matthew 6:14-15

“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too”.  Mark 11:25

If you find your prayers are not being answered, it could be you have animosity towards someone.  Check it out, forgive and experience the peace of mind you deserve.

Slow Down: There’s no need to rush, life is too short to be on the hustle and bustle for things that won’t last forever.  However, you are destined to live in eternity with Jesus Christ and other believers, so make that your main priority.

And this is the way to have eternal life – to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.”  John 17:3

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal.  Store up your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves.  Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be .”  Matthew 6:19-21

Stop Worrying: Whatever you are worried about now, won’t matter in a few years time.  Put your faith and trust in God  because he loves you and would help you get through all challenges.

“So don’t worry about having enough food or drink or clothing.  Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things?  Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.”  Matthew 6:31

Don’t Judge: Don’t be quick to judge other people.  You don’t know what trials or problems they are facing.  None of us are perfect, for we all have made mistakes.  Never judge!

“Stop judging others, and you will not be judged.  For others will treat you as you treat them.  Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged.”  Matthew 7:1

Forgive: If someone has done you wrong, don’t seek revenge against them, or hold malice in your heart for them.  Leave them up to God who will do justice on your behalf.  Forgive them and you will be forgiven also, as well as have peace of mind.

“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins too.”   Mark 11:25

Stop Complaining: Be thankful for what you have and stop complaining for what you don’t.  Learn to be at peace with yourself always.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand…”  Philippians 4:6