Forgiveness

FORGIVENESS Some have said that forgiveness is an impossibility because the mind never forgets a wrong that has been done. Perhaps to some, that is true. But allow me to share the feeling I receive through forgiveness. Over my lifetime, I discovered that I had wrongfully hurt people along the way. Then I discovered that I felt miserable and undone. So I decided to make a list of those whom I had harmed, contact them, and make amends. The list was long and the contacts, in some cases, extremely painful. Having to say I'm sorry isn't easy and forgiveness may not be received by the person you hurt, nor reciprocated. Still, I found that I felt better after having confessed and each contact and confession came easier. Today, I have not only exhausted my list --- I am teaching others how they can obtain relief. It is only a matter of having the courage to learn to say those two little words --- I'm sorry. Conversely, hearing those same two words from someone who has inflicted pain on you is like a healing balm to a wound and it frees you and the other person from the misery you have been suffering from and allows you to walk in the marvelous light of day. When Jesus said to His disciples in the model prayer, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others", He was telling us that the attitude of forgiving assures us that we are living the life of being cleansed from all unrighteousness. How then can we decide to harbor ill will against our fellow man and live in the shadow of unforgiveness instead of having the courage to openly forgive someone and live in a world of peace and contentment? 27 October 2018 For the contest sponsored by James Edward Lee, Sr.