Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive -BLESSINGS OF FORGIVENESS

 In 1985, Peter and Sue were attending a meeting at the Kingdom Hall when suddenly there was a massive explosion. A man had planted a bomb inside the Kingdom Hall!  Sue suffered serious injuries that permanently damaged her sight and hearing. She also  her sense of smell.  Peter and Sue often 'ask themselves, 'What kind of person would do such a evil thing?'  Many years later, the perpetrator, who was not a servant of Jehovah, was arrested and sentenced to life in prison.  When asked if they forgiven this man, Peter and Sue said:  "Jehovah teaches us that harboroing anger and resentment can harm us physically, emotionally, and mentally.  So very early on, we asked Jehovah to help us to put aside anger and resentment and get on with our life." 

Has it been easy for them to extend forgiveness?  Not always, the continue:  "Every now and the when the effects of Sue's injuries impact our life, anger swells up.  But we do not dwell on the matter, so these feeling quickl fade. In fact, we can say from our heart that if the bomber becomes our brother on day, we will welcome him.  This experience has taught us that Bible principles  are really liberating; they set us free in more ways than we can imagine! We also take comfort in knowing that Jehovah  will soon undo all the damage." 

Myra learned the truth when she was already married and had two small children. Her husband did not accept the truth.  In time, he committed adulter and abandoned the family.  Myra says: "  When my husband left me and our two children. I felt the emotion that many do after being betrayed by a loved one-shock, disbelief, grief, regret, self-blame, and anger."  Although the marriage ended, the pain of betrayal remained.  Myra continues:  "Those feelings kept me in turmoil for months, and I realized they were affecting my relationship with Jehovah and with others."  Myra now says that she has let go of her anger and does not harbor any ill will toward her former husband. She hopes that one day he will draw close to Jehovah.  Myria is able to focus on the future. A s a single mother, she raised her two children to be servant of Jehovah.  Today Myra has the joy of serving Jehovah along with her children and their families. 

Next time: Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive -JEHOVAH'S PERFECT JUSTICE

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