(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)
There was a story told of a girl being bitten by a rattlesnake on the ankle and her friends chasing the snake first before remembering to get back to her to extract the poison from her leg. Unfortunately, her friends took too much time to avenge the infliction that the girl’s leg had to be amputated below the knee after a few days of being poisoned. Had the venom been extracted early on, the girl’s leg would’ve been spared.
The price of revenge is too steep in almost all cases. This situation is pretty much similar to holding grudges and resentments in our hearts. It poisons us more than it heals and we should strive hard to rid ourselves of all its stains.
Bishop H. Burke Peterson, who related this story, said: “The longer the poison of resentment and unforgiveness stays in a body, the greater and longer lasting is its destructive effect. … The poison of revenge, or of unforgiving thoughts or attitudes, unless removed, will destroy the soul in which it is harbored.”
How true!! I was almost tempted to keep this kind of poison in my heart, but I couldn’t stand it for more than a couple of days! I was physically getting ill and I thought last night I was going to have a heart attack from the pain. It was literally poisoning me!!! So I decided to let go and I was magically healed instantly!!! YayYyY!!! 
How very grateful and ecstatic I am for this beautiful morning—feeling the cool breeze, seeing the sunrise, walking down a grass pavement, and having a wonderful breakfast after being made well by the amazing balm of sweet forgiveness!! Life is good!!!
Have a wonderful week ahead everybody! And let go of all those negative emotions in your heart!! Life is short! Keep it sweet!
Hi Cherry. Thanks for the sweet message. I know the feeling, I have just gone through that stage. And, I’ll be forever thankful to you for being with me during those times.
Thanks for being a good friend, Joy. I really appreciate it.
What a wonderful principle to live by. In addition, I am sure you are aware of the 90/10 principle as expounded upon by Stephen R. Covey. He explained that 10% of life is made up of what happens to you…..90% of life is decided by how you react.
Your ultimate reaction to forgive gave you the peace that you instantly felt .
Thank you for sharing such beautiful insights with the world. More power to you!
Thank you for your comment, President Ilagan. Yes, we become happy based on the choices we make and I definitely am glad that I made that choice.
Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks for that wonderful insight, it is true that we need to remove that extra baggage in our heart and be humble enough to face the reality in life by removing grudges and hatred but instead love and commitment to do good then we will be qualify for the grace of God to return to his kingdom.
True Caesar, it is a heavy baggage to carry. Thanks for your comment.
Forgiveness is indeed a healing balm to all who truly applies it in their lives. Many people say that they forgive but they can’t forget. Those two are inseparable. If a person can not forget then he/she didn’t really forgive. And just like what you’ve mentioned in your thought, it is very poisonous. I’ve met many people who spend each day of their lives with the grudge or unforgiving hearts. And they live a miserable life and you could tell by looking at them the misery that they are carrying because they can’t forgive.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Love ya!
Ysai
That is such a true statement, Ysai. Our countenances show how we feel inside and we can’t hide it. People can tell if we’re sad or happy so it’s always best to get rid of all the negativity and maintain our beauty!
Miss you friend!
Cherry,
Others viewed forgiveness as “Letting go” from our memory negative resentments. An act that dissolves “emotional trigger” opening the way to reconciliation. Pres. Hinkley said that “Somehow forgiveness, with love and tolerance, accomplishes miracles that can happen in no other way. The great Atonement was the supreme act of forgiveness.” He prayed that we be a little kinder, showing forth greater forbearance, to be more forgiving, more willing to walk the second mile, to reach down and lift up those who may have sinned but have brought forth the fruits of repentance, to lay aside old grudges and nurture them no more.
President Spencer W. Kimball said, “If we have been wronged or injured, forgiveness means to blot it completely from our minds. To forgive and forget is an ageless counsel. ‘To be wronged or robbed,’ said the Chinese philosopher Confucius, ‘is nothing unless you continue to remember it.’ But we need to be careful not to forget what we have to remember in our lives.
We were taught under this principle to agree with our partner to honestly try to forgive—and forget—past wrongs. Look to the future, not to the past. Reviving old hurts can only damage a relationship. Harsh condemnation discourages the frank sharing of problems and does little to foster a loving, learning relationship. By this process we regain renew trust and confidence from one another and strnegthen our relationship as well.
Dan
Thanks, Bro. Mendoza.