Dear friends,
No one is promised tomorrow, and even if God grants you tomorrow, you don’t know what events in your life could happen that could change your life. So, if you knew you would never see your friends again after today, what would you say to everyone as your final goodbye?
I would tell everyone this: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. It’s so easy to get caught up in offenses that we stop loving our friends and, as a result, stop loving God. When your friend upsets you, remember your commitment to love God and ask Him to help you to forgive that person since the Lord commands it. The Lord says, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:15 NKJV). When people sin against you, forgive them; seek reconciliation just as God does from you. Go to the person directly and alone. Don’t gossip about your friend (or anyone for that matter) or first go to higher authorities; seek reconciliation first and foremost, not punishment. As Jesus tells us, “…if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother” (18:15). Life is too short to hold onto grudges; remember that by seeking a restored relationship with your friend in private, you are honoring God as your Lord and honoring your friend as your brother or sister.
If I never write to you again, remember this: love the Lord and seek reconciliation with all men. If I have done anything to offend and upset you, I’m sorry for any harm I caused, and I ask for your forgiveness. Come to me privately, and let’s work things out.
COMMITTING TO GODS’ GRACE AND LOVE
Jeremiah Yonemura
