A believer most undoubtedly would answer this poll by saying they could forgive. To be honest, if I am in a fit of grief and rage and had not had the time to collect myself I could myself wanting to take the person’s life that took away my loved one. Especially if they were before me and it was one of my daughters that they had killed whether by accident or not.

The Lord knows our pain as He shared it when He was beaten, whipped, stabbed with thorns to His head, and ultimately crucified. His Father knows His pain too and though He witnessed Jesus’ death He held His rage in check even though He could have destroyed every at that instant.

The mercy that God the Father showed humanity at Jesus’ death as He does now by forgiveness of sins through His Son’s sacrifice is the same mercy we are to extend to others who wrong us. We are not perfect as our Heavenly Father is but it is good enough the we attempt to be like Him. We may slip and say or do things that may not be showing forgiveness but ultimately when we do come around we will have cleansed ourselves.

A majority of you believe you could forgive, but a good portion would hold a grudge until the ultimate justice was done. In order for God to forgive us we must forgive those that have wronged us. If we do not then we are disrespecting our Lord God’s grace that He has poured on us.

• 10: Yes, it would be hard but I could.
• 3: Not sure if I could.
• 6: No, I would rather see them suffer and die.

Life is short here and to hold onto hatred or grievances that only serve to punish you is not worth it. Let go and forgive those that caused you pain and start to heal mentally and spiritually. Extend the Lord’s love to your neighbors which include those that may be considered your enemies - pray for them. In doing so you will be become more perfect in the sight of God.