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Forgiveness

Taking a slight diversion from my usual tactics today :)

 I have been reading some Lenten devotionals (if you have not checked out biblegateway.com, I would encourage you to - they have all kinds of things!). The one I read last night had to do with forgiveness and it kind of hit me hard. Forgiveness is a tricky topic for lots of people (myself included). Easy to say, hard to do. I cannot remember the source, but remember hearing recently that forgiveness is a command. It is not a choice. It is possible to say the words and PRAY the words that you forgive someone long before your heart catches up to the program. Just because you don't feel it, doesn't mean a change isn't happening in your life for the person who you need to forgive. So today, say those words. I forgive ________.

 I have a hard time with that, do you? And then feel guilty for having a hard time with that because through Jesus, God forgave us EVERYTHING. Knowing that I feel I should just think "forgiveness" and - poof! - my heart forgets the hurt (actual or implied) and I can move on. Sometimes there is a little kid in me screaming, "But I don't wanna!!"

 In our lives in this area, I'm hoping for baby steps. Prayer every day, including the words "I forgive _______ for ________" needs to take place. But more than forgiving, we need to pray FOR the other people. 

 Forgiveness is a weight off our shoulders and a step we all need to take, regardless of the seeming size of the situation. Let's do it!

 Closing prayer (from the devotion today - adapted from the Orthodox "Prayer for Enemies")

 Lord Jesus Christ, who commanded us to love our enemies and all those who insult and hurt us, and to pray for them and forgive them; you yourself prayed for your enemies, who crucified you. Give us, we pray, a spirit of Christian reconciliation and meekness, so that we may forgive every injury and be reconciled with our enemies. Grant us Christian meekness and true love of our neighbor. Give to our enemies true peace and forgiveness of sins; and do not allow them to leave this life without true faith and sincere conversion.

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