Monday, November 16, 1998
Monday, November 16, 1998
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Matthew
6:12
NRSV)
Many people today struggle with forgiveness, and yet we cannot become the people Jesus intends
us to become until we are able to forgive.
I remember a story of two children who were having an argument. The children were quarreling
over some insignificant things. "You're stupid!" one said to the other. "Well, so are you!" the
other replied. "Not as stupid as you!" the first one said. "Oh, yeah?" the other one said. "That's
what you think."
Ten minutes later, these two children were playing together again, having forgotten the whole
thing. No brooding, no wounded egos, no blame, no dredging up the past, no recriminations.
There it was, a brief and honest exchange of angry feelings, an even briefer cooling off period, and
all was forgiven. Children are certainly much more forgiving than adults. Somewhere in the
process of growing up we seem to have become experts at holding grudges. Who do you need to
forgive?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to forgive, so that I can more fully witness your love. Amen.
Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA