The American businessman and writer, Paul Boese published many of his philosophical thoughts in a weekly quote magazine in 1967, and his words on forgiveness have been an inspiration to countless people in the decades since.

He says when we are hurt, forgiving the people at fault can be incredibly difficult; because we’re wired to keep our defenses up to protect ourselves from more pain. But anger, resentment, and hatred are damaging emotions to hold onto, and a source of pain in themselves.

Forgiveness doesn’t change or condone the wrongs that was done, but it does help us let go of that negativity to make room to heal and move on. It “enlarges the future,” Forgiving someone doesn’t have to mean reconciliation. You do not have to become best of friends afterwards.

Bear with each other and forgive one another “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother and sister who sins against me? Up to seven times? Not seven times, but seventy-seven times Matt 18:21-22.

The book entitled, Forgive and Forget Healing the Hurts We Don’t Deserve by Lewis B Smedes, shows us that it is possible to heal our pain and find room in our hearts to forgive. However, it is near impossible without the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in our hearts.

Our Creator has lessons for us that go beyond our earthly authors. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you. If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you.

Some people invade our lives for a tragic hour or a sad lifetime, leave us with hurting memories, and then move away where we cannot see them. Or when they hide their faces behind the masks of corporations.