And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Our dear friend Mustang Sally was a vital Christian lady in her eighties who looked and acted years younger than her age. She was easy-going; never took things to heart when someone offended her, loved easily and forgave quickly. She told me “that’s the secret to youth.”

God gives us encouragement in His Word: Be tenderhearted and forgiving. Dear heart, God has our best interests at heart when He tells us to forgive and let go. He wants His children to be happy and to live a long, healthy life. Nursing a hurt or anger against someone and having unforgiveness in your heart aren’t worth losing your joy, peace and health over.

Sally taught me: if you find it difficult to forgive someone, then look to the cross and see how perfectly God has let go every sin you have and will ever commit. Bring Jesus into your bitter situation. When you know how perfectly He loves you and has forgiven you, you’ll be able to forgive that person too. And the more you let go of offences against you, the less the enemy is able to make inroads into your mind, heart and body. Like our Sally, you’ll live a happier, healthier and longer life, with a lot fewer wrinkles and frown lines!

Today, I thank God for the gift of His Precious Son and forgiveness. He knows how desperately it is needed in my life.