Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. Philippians 3:19-20 (NLT) I once had the honour of meeting with a group of fifteen U.S. Navy Seal officers. Part of our day was spent on a boat a few miles out to sea, where I noticed that one officer had a beeper. If this beeper went off, he explained, he had exactly 45 minutes to get to the jet that would take him to wherever he was needed. The fact that we were on a boat miles from shore was no concern to him. With pure determination, he assured me that whatever …

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” John 10:10 (AMP) I once heard a story about a newly immigrated couple. They had just purchased and moved into their new home when a group of thieves broke in, took over the house and forced the couple to leave. After a couple months of living on the street, the couple complained, “How could Canada do this to us?” It’s just a story, but if it were true, we would all agree that Canada didn’t steal from this couple. They could enlist the help of Canadian police to fight for their rights and privileges as citizens. …

Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. 1 Corinthians 13:5 (AMPC) People never feel like forgiving. Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling, and it’s not a one-time decision either. Every time the resentment, anger or indignation returns, you have to choose to forgive. As you repeatedly choose forgiveness instead of focusing on what upsets you, it gets easier. The pain associated with that person or event begins to dissipate, and you start the process toward freedom. Of course, you don’t have to do any …

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18 (KJV) Improvements in your relationships almost always require forgiveness. It’s best when both parties forgive, but miraculous change can begin to happen even when only one person takes that step. You may have a relationship that seems beyond repair because of too much hurt or too many unrealized expectations. I’m not promising that you can restore that relationship because many factors come into play, but you can do everything in your power to try. Paul said that you are to live in peace as much as possible, according to the power that lies within you, that’s yours because of Jesus. Although you can’t control the other person’s choices, …

“I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?” Matthew 18:32–33 (NLT) It’s easy to welcome God’s forgiveness and blessings with open arms. However, extending that love and forgiveness to others is a different story. In Matthew 18, Jesus shared a parable about a king who had decided to settle up all outstanding accounts with his servants. One particular servant owed the king a very large debt that he had no way of paying, so it was decided that the man would be sold, along with his wife, his kids, and all that he owned. When the servant begged for more time to repay, the king was touched …