What Is Amnesty? am·nes·ty /ˈamnistē/

Noun
An official pardon for people who have been convicted of political offenses.

Verb
Grant an official pardon to

Most people are familiar with amnesty in the noun term. People may need a second chance after receiving a warrant for their arrest after not paying a traffic ticket and not appearing in court.

I used amnesty in the verbal form recently. You know those people who cross you, disrespect you, hurt your feelings, betray you and more? At the end of the day you have to realize, just like you’ll live on without them; they will live on without you. But most importantly remember life is short. In the United States, amnesty day for legal reasons is held multiple times per year. For alot of people, we have a habit of rarely forgiving one another. Individuals can have a fight when they are 16 years old and still hold a grudge about it when they are 65 years old and barely even remember the original issue.

In life, friends will fight. In life, those who you thought were meant to stay don’t always stay. Instead of being upset about it and throwing disrespect back and forth, realize that God may be trying to tell you something.

Ok I’ll quit beating around the bush. Let me get personal.

There was a young man that was a very close friend to me. Best friend. We were thick as thieves. Then life happened. He was lost and sort of changed from who I knew I loved as my BFF. And I’d changed. I’d become more focused on myself and my career. After a deep discussion I felt the need to tell him how to improve himself. Then he voiced his opinion on how he felt about me but it came off very negative. I instantly deleted him from my life. I felt there is no need for negativity around me. There is no need for snakes in my circle. We haven’t spoken in close to a year. He’s called and apologized but I wasn’t ready.

Finally, I decided to think about it. No I don’t appreciate negativity not will I be a fool. You don’t be a fool either and allow anyone to treat you badly. But if its someone who genuinely has love for you and hasn’t cause you bodily harm or mental harm, I’d at least pray about it.

This was my decision. I’d give him amnesty. I’d forgiven him. He has a second chance. Although there’s a twist. No the friendship won’t end up the same as before. My trust will need to be regained. But I didn’t want him to leave this life or me leave and we have guilt. I know the people I can share personal things with, he’s not on that list at the moment. I know the people I’ll take to the top with me, I can’t promise him that grant. I will not give too much of myself away nor will I expect as much from him.

So I say all this to say, give amnesty today. Forgive. Do what’s best for you in the mist of it all.

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
― Mother Teresa