YOU'LL BE BETTER FOR IT
By Harold J. Sala

A cannibal converted to Christianity occasionally discovered that remnants from his past would momentarily resurface. On a certain occasion he went to his village church to receive communion, something that meant a great deal to him. It was his assurance that God had, indeed, forgiven his former life.

When the new convert came to the altar something happened. "Suddenly I saw beside me a man, who some years before slew my father and drank his blood. I swore, then, I would kill him the first time I should see him," he said. Instantly, he felt hatred. The young Christian, uncertain of what he would do, rose from his knees and walked towards the back of the church. There he saw hanging a single wooden crucifix hewn out of native wood. "That made a deep impression on me," he shared. "It seemed I saw another sight---a cross and a man nailed on it, and I heard Him say, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.'"

The man turned slowly, walked back to the altar and knelt down beside the man who had murdered his father. Right there and then he extended forgiveness, just as God had forgiven him, by giving His Son. Forgiving one another is never an easy task, especially when we have carried our hatred for many years.

Dr. Louis Evans, former Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, often prayed that God would give us a little something to forgive everyday, so that we might realize our own human failures and imperfections. Forgiveness never comes easy, but it's an absolute must if we are to free our lives of hatred and revenge.

Forgiving each other come so much easier when we remember that God has extended forgiveness to all who will receive Him. If you expect His forgiveness, treat your fellowmen as God treats you. Try it; make it a daily part of your life.