Forgiveness is an interesting word. We live in a society that promotes revenge. Our movies and TV programs are saturated with the concept of good and evil. Something happens to the protagonist that is catastrophic and now he/she is seeking retribution against those who have created this tragedy in their lives. We cheer them on as they annihilate all those involved saving the ring leader for last. The end gives us a sense of redemption because those that committed such heinous crimes against those we love have been met with vengeance justice. Some of the titles in the shows actually have the words revenge and vengeance in them. How is forgiveness an interesting word. It is not promoted with the same fervor as revenge there is a completeness in exacting "Justice" against those who hurt others. There have been numerous Death Wish movies 1- I don't even remember how many  with the same theme and why do they keep on making them because they sell. What do we know about forgiveness some people believe it's a "wuss" word you forgive because you refuse to take actions. The truth is forgiveness is an action word. It takes courage to access the situation and what is in the betterment for all. Scriptures state in 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 that love is the key in all matters in our lives. Forgiveness is love, unconditional love. The love that Jesus showed us and instructs us to have for others no matter what they have done . The interesting part of forgiveness is not extending it to another party but extending it to ourselves first. In order to learn how to forgive others we have to learn how to forgive ourselves. There is a defining moment in evryones' life when they make a decision about themselves relative to an action taken against them. It sets the tone of shaping the thinking that will dictate your actions in the future. That defining moment a lot of time we don't share because it is difficult to articulate our emotions we feel them but can't compartmentilize those feelings. So we don't understand what forgiveness is so we don't forgive Yeah! we may say to people that we forgive but do we? How many times have we said and heard others say " I forgive you but I can't or won't forget." That is not forgiveness, forgiveness is wiping the slate clean and to remember no more. Hebrews 8:12  God is talking about having a new covenant with His people and states " For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and lawless deeds I will remember no more". The example is given not just in words but in deed.  We allow our emotions to dictate how we should respond to others, trust me I have battled this forgiving thing myself first with me then extending it to others, It is not easy it's a discipline that can be learned, We are imperfect beings and we make mistakes some more horrifying than others but the person who is to exact revenge against anyone is not us.Romans 12:19 states " Beloved do not avenge yourselves but rather give place to wrath For it is WRITTEN "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay" says the Lord. I'm using scriptures to illustrate my point because we are suppose to be a Christian nation unfortunately we pervert scriptures to justify our motives and actions we pick and choose the scriptures that we want to adhere to. The more difficult it seems to be the more we ignore it. The world would be a better place if these concepts were practiced I'm sure you would agree the actual living of it hasn't been a reality and will be difficult as long as we are bombarded with contrary doctrine that takes us away from God's truth which is the only truth that matters. We have to start being lead by our emotions yes we should feel them but should we allow them to dictate the choices that we make in our life especially the negative ones. There are ways to have inner peace and one of them is the art of forgiveness something I believe we should prescribe to if there is to be hope for us.