The first to apologize,

is the bravest.

The first to forgive, 

is the strongest.

And the first to forget,

is the happiest.

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Job 5:2  —  Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.

Psalm 37:7-9  —  Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.  Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.  For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

Proverbs 15:1  —  A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Ephesians 4:26-27  —  “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

1 Corinthians 13:4-6  —  Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

Luke 23:33-34a  —  When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.  Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…”

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As we are forgiven by you, may we forgive all who wrong and offend us.  Help us remember that no one can harm us without doing himself a far greater injury in your sight, so that we may be moved to compassion for them instead of anger, moved to pity rather than a desire for revenge.  May we not be tempted to rejoice when they are troubled, nor be grieved when they prosper.  We will not benefit from the downfall of our enemies, so we pray that you have mercy on them, and then also give us the grace to forgive them from our heart.  Amen.

  –Martin Luther