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Forgiveness, March 24
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have
a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Colossians 3:13
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The religion of Jesus Christ means progress; it means to be ever
reaching upward to a holier and higher standard. The Christian whose
heart has been touched with the beauty of the Saviour’s character, is to put
into practice that which he learns in the school of Christ. We must be apt
pupils in the school of Christ, readily learning that which He teaches us
from day to day
We can never attain perfection of character if we do not hear the voice
of God and obey His counsel. This instruction does not apply simply to
those who have had no trials to meet which would create dislike to their
brethren, but it applies to those who have been injured, who have suffered
from financial wrong, from reproach and criticism, from misapprehension
and misjudgment. These must not allow hatred to enter the heart, or permit
unkind feelings to arise when they look upon those who have injured
them....
Like Christ we shall forgive our enemies, and watch for opportunities
to show those who have harmed us that we love their souls, and if we
could, would do them good.... If those who have injured us, still continue
in their course of wrong-doing ... we must make efforts to be reconciled to
our brethren, following the Bible plan, as Christ Himself has directed. If
our brethren refuse to be reconciled, then do not talk about them, nor injure
their influence, but leave them in the hands of a just God, who judgeth
all men righteously.... The youth may profess to have great love for the
cause of God; but while they are unreconciled to their companions, they
are unreconciled to God. It is these ... selfish feelings that are cherished,
that keep the blessing of God out of our hearts and homes. Let the love of
Christ flow into the heart and transform the character, or we shall not be
children of God
[91]
64
The Youth’s Instructor, September 13, 1894
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65
The Youth’s Instructor, January 13, 1898
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91