My father - in -law recently passed away at the age of 85, he was a godly man whom I have known for 42 years.
I first met him when I was 11 years old, he was my first form teacher at the Lancastrian Boys School Chichester.
Little did I know then that this man would have a real impact on my life and that I would marry his daughter.
The reason that th
is article is written in memory of my father- in law is that he displayed the best of human qualities. He had a real love for people that was born out of his love for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Dad always saw the good in someone, he was always on the side of the underdog and he was always genuinely forgiving. We live in an age today where many people like to reflect and dwell on the worst of people.
How many times have you heard someone say 'I will never forgive that person'. With the passage of time unforgiveness, whether one has received an apology and restitution or not, will only hurt one person and that is the one who is unforgiving.
Unforgiveness can lead to criticism and bitterness all of which has the capacity to destroy.In the Bible which Christians regard as the 'word of God' the Apostle Paul writes to the Corinthian Church and its people about relationships and morality.
What he wrote is so relevant to all of us today in a society of broken relationships and declining morals.
Paul wrote in 1 Corthinians chapter 13 that Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.
It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at the wrongdoing , but rejoices with the truth.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends!
It is one thing to talk about being loving but it is another thing to show real love in action - the love that doesn't count the cost.
If you or I want to be such a person then look only to Jesus who in an act of sacrificial love died for our sins at Calvary's Cross and if we put our faith and trust in him then we receive his forgiveness and life everlasting.
------------------------------
Click here for more Christian Comment.Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.Email the Herald: letters@worthingherald.co.uk