Why should I forgive them?

Ever have someone yell in your face or insult you? Start a fight with you for what seems like no good reason? Cut you off on the road? Pretend like you're not there or treat you unfairly? Jesus says, "...Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven..." Matthew 5: 44-45.

I know it's not easy and it doesn't seem intuitive, right? Our human instinct is to protect ourselves - so many of us retaliate. Maybe we even start to hate or curse the person. Jesus calls us to something Divine instead - to be merciful as He is merciful - to rise above our humanity through Him. In St. Faustina's Diary (#742), Jesus says we should be merciful in deed, word and in prayer. Say something kind in return or don't say anything. Do a kind thing for them or say a prayer for them. Pray for the grace they need to change - because imagine they change because you prayed for them. Now the world is a little better because of it - and you and that person are happier and more peaceful at heart because of it too! God bless you and keep you!