“Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as Godin Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32, NASB)
In a recent leadership training class, our speaker, Dr. Alton Garrison, told us of the F-I-D-O principle. My ears perked up because I had a dog, named Fido, when I was a boy. He went on to illustrate F-I-D-O as an acrostic meaning Forget-It-Drive-On!
What happens when we don’t forgive and forget? We become trapped in the past. To live in the present, making the most of this day, we must forgive those people who have hurt us in the past.
What’s done is done. If someone offended, disappointed, or mistreated you yesterday, either you can get bitter or you can forgive them and move on. Remember, if you refuse to forgive others, God will not forgive you.
Maybe that’s why the Psalmist David said, “Search my heart, oh God, try me and know my thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.” (Psalm 139:23-24 NASB)
Watch out! The root of bitterness that stems from unforgiveness will contaminate your life. The Bible tells us to be quick to forgive; the longer we wait, the harder it’s going to be. The longer we wait to forgive, the deeper that root of bitterness grows.
Deal with it today by forgiving anyone who has hurt you, and then choose to live this day in freedom. As you do, the joy of the Lord will be restored in your life.
Remember, Forget-It-Drive-On!
