Week 4, day 4: Forgive or fly away?

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (NIV)

“Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us.” (Good News)

Shannon Nath writes:

Working through the second line, forgiveness is something easier said than done. In our current distant world, it is very easy to just forget. I know I have been in situations where I have felt wronged and it would be easier to entirely walk away from that relationship than to calm down and forgive for a friend’s mistake. I remind myself that I too make mistakes sometimes. I ask for forgiveness. To deny someone that which I ask for seems cruel. I believe this line serves as a humble reminder to forgive, even when it is easy not to.

Of course, it is wishful to hope that you will not have to forgive people. It is an ideal that the people who you love will not let you down. But whether intentionally or not, it is a situation we all encounter at some point or another. Our relationships are about both giving and receiving. It would not be right to accept forgiveness but to never give it when it is needed back. It makes for a resentment that eats you up inside. If you are too preoccupied with holding this grudge, it will be awfully hard to have a fulfilling relationship with God.

Even when it feels challenging, forgiving is possible and will allow healing.

For those of you with little ones at home, this short video may help 😊

Is there anyone that you need to forgive?