BittersweetSample

Written by Chloe, age 14 from Lilburn, Georgia

Have you ever been in an argument with a friend or family member? If you are like me, you have. In the last 14 years, I've had several arguments with myself, friends, and family members. One that was particularly difficult was when my friend accused me of doing something I didn't do. We were arguing back and forth, and it was this huge deal. Thankfully everything was resolved in the end. The person apologized, and I forgave them. Because of that forgiveness, we are still great friends to this day. That’s why forgiveness is so important in life. If you don’t forgive, you risk losing the most important people in your life. Believe me, often it hurts worse to not forgive someone than it does to forgive them. 

Forgiveness is like kindness. Also, I think it takes a lot more work to be cruel than it does to be kind. That is why I feel the world has a greater number of compassionate people than cruel people. So, in the future when your brother or sister is annoying, or you get in an argument with a friend, try to be compassionate and forgiving because it will take you a long way. This week, if you find yourself holding a grudge, talk to God about what it would look like to take a step towards forgiveness.