Matthew 7:6 VCE | “Don’t give precious things to dogs. Don’t cast your pearls before swine. If you do, the pigs will trample the pearls with their little pigs’ feet, and then they will turn back and attack you.”

This series on forgiveness cannot end without this note of warning. In the course of life, you will meet people whose attitudes, actions and inactions are toxic to you. Stay away from them. Forgive them, but stay clear.

Forgiveness is a gift you give to people for your own peace of mind. Reconciliation, however, is another matter. Reconciliation involves the restoration of a broken relationship. This is not always possible.

You only consider reconciliation, if the person is remorseful; and you have tested the person over time and he or she proves beyond every doubt that they are no longer toxic to you. Trust is earned. It is not a gift. Therefore, test before you trust. Do not cast your pearls before swine.