There are

"unchangeables"

in life that we

have to embrace.

The fact that we

are surely to

commit mistakes,

hurt people and

alter relationships.

Learn to forgive

the mistakes, hurts

and the broken

relationships which

we may commit

or other have

committed

against us.

Forgiveness

makes

"the burdens of

life" lighter.

If we forgive

it allows us to

move with life.

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BulletiN F I L I P INO ASSOC IAT ION

I N JAMA ICA L IM I TED

The Philippine Consulate in Jamaica | 15 Red Hills Road, Kingston 10 | 929-9034/926-2130

On the Lord’s Prayer where Jesus says,”Forgive us our debts as we for-give our debtors,” asks the question “When do we forgive others?”

When we strive against all thoughts of revenge; when we will not do our enemies mischief, but wish well to them, grieve at their calamities, pray for them, seek reconciliation with them, and show ourselves ready on all occasions to relieve them. (Thomas Watson, Body of Divinity, p. 581)

We forgive others when:

1. We resist taking revenge: Romans 12:19, “Never take your own re-venge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” 2. We no longer seek to repay evil with evil: 1 Thessalonians 5:15, “See that no one repays another with evil for evil. 3. We sincerely wish them well: Luke 6:28, “Bless those who curse you.” 4. We grieve at their calamities: Proverbs 24:17, “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles.” 5. We Pray good for them: Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” 6. We seek reconciliation with them: Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” 7.We are willing to come to their aid: Exodus 23:4, “If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey wandering away, you shall surely return it to him.”

What Forgiveness is Not:

8. Forgiveness is not a lack of anger towards sin. 9. Forgiveness is not blind trust 10. Forgiveness is not lack of consequence 11. Forgiveness is not remaining in an unsafe, unstable, hostile environ-ment.

If we are really going to trust in the Forgiveness Christ unleashed for us on the cross and secured for us in his resurrection, and if we are really going to forgive one an-other when we experience relational conflict or grievances than it seems important that we would know what we are really saying when we say “I Forgive You”.

from http://adamreardon.com/

A LAYMAN'S TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when

in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the

right path throughout.

2. Why is a car's WINDSHIELD so large and the rear-

view mirror so small? Because, our PAST is not as impor-

tant as our FUTURE. So, look ahead and move on.

3. Friendship is like a Book. It takes only a few seconds

to burn it, but it takes years to write it.

4. All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy

them, they will not last forever. If things are going

wrong, don't worry, they can't last long either.

5. Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If

you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to

hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold!

6. Often when we lose Hope and think this is the end,

GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, Sweetheart,

it's just a bend, not the end!

7. When GOD solves your problems, you have Faith in

HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems

HE has Faith in your abilities.

8. A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be any-

thing worse than losing one’s eyesight?" He replied:

"Yes, losing your Vision!"

9. When you Pray for others, God listens to you and

blesses them. When you are safe and happy, remember

that someone has Prayed for you.

10. WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROU-

BLES, it takes away today's PEACE.