Forgiveness
a 
Meditation
by David D. Vause MD MPH
 

        FORGIVENESS
            

         I have been meditating on the scripture related to forgiving and came up with this. 
        It is easy to remember forgive because it is to forego personal attack or revenge and give the offender to God and the local, civil / criminal authority. To do this you need some guidelines and practice. 

The guidelines are Matthew 18:15. 

When someone offends you: 

1. Go personally to that one just the two of you and show them their error. If they receive it, great ! You have resolved the matter and should have no anger or vengeful feeling and can pray, "Thank You God."

2. If they do not hear and receive your plea then go again with two or three Christians as witnesses. If the offender now hears, Praise God.

3. If the offender does not listen or receive counsel, then take the matter to the Church which is the Body of Christ or Spirit filled believers you fellowship with plus The Holy Spirit, Jesus and the Father in prayer and meditation. Also take it to the local Civil and Criminal authorities and process the case as a Godly citizen who is rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.

4. As you observe the day to day events and outcome meditate on the Scripture and the Commands of Christ and turn loose of the offender and the offense. Watch for what God will teach you and how "Whatsoever a man sows, that alone is what he reaps." 

        The usual way to learn this is in your family where parents serve as the authorities and can teach you about God and prayer. It is always important to check with God because we are forgiven by Him as we forgive others. So forgiveness is more important than getting rid of anger. 

        It is FORego personal attack and GIVE them to God & Authorities.