2016 is behind us and 2017 has come. Many people like to quote a verse from the Bible as a retrospect for 2016 and prospect for 2017, specifically "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. (Phi 3:13)" However, many times we remember what we should forget and forget what we shouldn't. So as we enter 2017, we need to think about what must be forgotten and what must be remembered.
Forget those who hurt us
I once read an article called "I'm hurt by the church." Indeed nobody in the church is perfect. People have their own characters, and there is sometimes friction when carrying out ministries in fellowships. Moreover, in the world outside the church, hurt comes from everywhere, including families, coworkers, classmates, and friends. Some say that "there are times I really want to seek revenge, and I think that whoever hurt me deserves to be severely punished. Other times I find it impossible to forgive even though I try to persuade myself to."
There are hurtful feelings deep inside that we may not forget even after many years. In 2017, let us learn a lesson: to forget about those who have hurt us. Only by forgetting will we receive more blessings in the new year; and only when we open our hearts, will the blessings from God fall on us so we can live a truly rejoicing life.
There is an extreme example, if a dog bites you and runs away, will you go to the hospital for treatment and resume your regular life, or spend days, months, or even years trying to find the dog? Every normal person should know how to choose; however, we so often can't forget and end up thinking of the dog with our most precious time so our wound grows deeper and deeper.
Today, every Christian should learn how to forgive others in order to let go of ourselves. Paul said: "In your anger do not sin: do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. (Eph 4:26)" Once a thought with hatred is generated, there is a corresponding action. That is why Jesus said: "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." (Mat 5:23-24) "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemies.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Mat 5:43-44) As we entered the new year, let us reconcile with those who hurt us and pray for them.
Remember the kindness of God and people
As we enter the new year, we first need to count His blessings. Sometimes people think the blessings from God are so little that there is no peace and joy from God in life. In fact, it is not that we lack grace from God, but a grateful heart. The greatest blessing from God is His provision, that we're still alive in this world today. We can't neglect God's care and protection at all times.
When we measure grace from God, we would find how great His grace is on us! The more we measure His grace, the more grateful we are; and the more grateful we are, the more we'll feel His steady flow of grace. May God bless us so that we're grateful in big, small, good, or bad things and give thanks to Him. May we have more and greater grace from God.
There is an old Chinese saying: Repay as much as you can for even a little bit of favor you have received. We should have a grateful heart toward other people, and do not take others' kindness and help for granted. We should be grateful to our parents who raised us, to relatives, seniors, friends, brothers and sisters, spouses, children, neighbors, classmates, co-workers, pastors, church members, and more. Be grateful to whoever showed kindness to us and helped us. Be a grateful person in families, workplaces, churches, and all other places.
(The author of the article is a preacher in Jieyang, Guangdong. The viewpoints represent the author's only.)
Translated by: Grace Hubl
