The large part of man’s heartaches and troubles are caused by a lack of forgiveness. This maybe the hardest thing we have to do; learn how to forgive. God has a formula for forgiveness that works every time. But the problem is, man does not always follow God’s plan. The offended must have the right attitude toward the offender. He cannot be indifferent and sit back and wait for the offender to come to him. He does not have the right to get mad and angry at the offender. He should love the one who has wronged him and desire to help him obtain God’s forgiveness. He must go to the offender in proper spirit. For, it is wrong to approach him in bitterness, with an idea of revenge. Neither should he approach the offender in a spirit of pride and superiority. He should go to the offender in a spirit of humility and kindness. He must be willing to accept the offender back as if no wrong had been committed. For, pretend forgiveness will not do because the forgiveness must be genuine and real. Now, the offender must also have the right attitude. He should be willing to admit his wrong. He should not have the attitude of defeat. He should love the one offended and appreciate the fact that he is interested in his soul. He must be careful of his reactions when approached by the one offended. Likewise, he should not resent the other fellow coming to him about the matter. He should control his temper and not be angry. Therefore, if he is guilty of wrong, he should repent and seek forgiveness because the offended cannot simply forgive the offender without first the offender being remorseful of his wrong doing. He must know that he did wrong otherwise he will continue in the wrong. Henceforth, the result of this is that both parties will meet somewhere in the middle. Both will be concerned about their souls and the soul of the other by which God’s formula for forgiveness will be carried out. Sin will be forgiven and a soul saved from eternal ruin. And because of this, individuals will be strengthened as children of God. Therefore, may we all strive to learn and practice God’s will in this matter. For, in doing so, we will help eliminate sin in our lives and the lives of others. Likewise, we will also spare ourselves much heartache, trouble and sleepless nights. This is the best plan that will work because it is a plan that came from God! Robert Notgrass