A Time to Forgive
Matthew 18: 21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, when my fellow believer sins against me, how many times must I forgive him? Should I forgive him as many as seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, you must forgive him more than seven times. You must forgive him even if he wrongs you seventy times seven."
My precious rescue dog named Rocky has a new neighbor that he doesn't like. Hawthorne, the fat cat next door, has become Rocky's nemesis. They hate each other. They taunt each other, and hold elaborate staring contests while sitting equidistance apart on opposite sides of the rod iron gate. They make awful sounds. After the daily "stare down," one will lift his paw and swat the other with such vengeance that the victim always runs away in pain. It is an exhausting cycle with a very predictable outcome.
In 2012, my sweet sister filed for divorce from her husband of over ten years. The circumstances surrounding her divorce shattered her soul and devastated the hearts of all within her close circle of family and friends. With 3 young boys to raise, it was simply not the way her life was supposed to be. Over the years, our family's animosity towards her ex-husband continued to grow. Just like the vengeance between Rocky and Hawthorne, the anger shared by all members of my family left everyone in pain. The mood of family gatherings changed when anyone mentioned his name. It was as if we traveled with bags of anger, hoisted over our shoulders. The bags became unbearable to carry any longer. Six years later, my precious momma led the charge in proclaiming, "ENOUGH!" I believe my momma could no longer see the past hurts rob us of our present peace. When momma talks, everyone listens. A new season of hope began.
Several years ago, the former pastor of my church preached a powerful sermon series on forgiveness. His words still echo throughout my soul. "Forgiveness is not a natural act. Forgiveness is an act of faith where you do what God wants, not what you want." I truly believe it is no accident that hidden in the word forgiveness is the word "give." We must "give in" not because we want to but because God calls us to in an act of sacred obedience. In recent days, we have encountered my sister's ex-husband at a series of sporting events. I have spoken with him. I have looked him in the eye and inquired about his life, his job. He has done the same. No part of this process has been easy. Indeed, it has taken a long period of time to reach this place. However, with each passing day, love wins. Grace prevails. The vengeance continues to slowly dissipate. Thank you, Jesus.
The summary of an 1898 Sunday school lesson plan included these words: Let the children tell you what they understand forgiveness to be. A little blind girl when asked what she thought it means said, "It is the fragrance of a flower after it is crushed!" Do you need to begin the journey towards forgiveness? Pause. Pray. Breathe in God's grace. Believe in the fragrance of every flower. Trust in His timing.
In 2012, my sweet sister filed for divorce from her husband of over ten years. The circumstances surrounding her divorce shattered her soul and devastated the hearts of all within her close circle of family and friends. With 3 young boys to raise, it was simply not the way her life was supposed to be. Over the years, our family's animosity towards her ex-husband continued to grow. Just like the vengeance between Rocky and Hawthorne, the anger shared by all members of my family left everyone in pain. The mood of family gatherings changed when anyone mentioned his name. It was as if we traveled with bags of anger, hoisted over our shoulders. The bags became unbearable to carry any longer. Six years later, my precious momma led the charge in proclaiming, "ENOUGH!" I believe my momma could no longer see the past hurts rob us of our present peace. When momma talks, everyone listens. A new season of hope began.
Several years ago, the former pastor of my church preached a powerful sermon series on forgiveness. His words still echo throughout my soul. "Forgiveness is not a natural act. Forgiveness is an act of faith where you do what God wants, not what you want." I truly believe it is no accident that hidden in the word forgiveness is the word "give." We must "give in" not because we want to but because God calls us to in an act of sacred obedience. In recent days, we have encountered my sister's ex-husband at a series of sporting events. I have spoken with him. I have looked him in the eye and inquired about his life, his job. He has done the same. No part of this process has been easy. Indeed, it has taken a long period of time to reach this place. However, with each passing day, love wins. Grace prevails. The vengeance continues to slowly dissipate. Thank you, Jesus.
The summary of an 1898 Sunday school lesson plan included these words: Let the children tell you what they understand forgiveness to be. A little blind girl when asked what she thought it means said, "It is the fragrance of a flower after it is crushed!" Do you need to begin the journey towards forgiveness? Pause. Pray. Breathe in God's grace. Believe in the fragrance of every flower. Trust in His timing.
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