All through this busy Christmas season, a five minute sermon by a very old priest has stuck in my mind.
Remembering the words of this gentle old soul who now suffers from great infirmity has actually been a highlight of this entire holiday season.
The topic of his sermon one Sunday in the midst of the crazed busyness was forgiveness.
He said if you have a grudge against someone because he or she hurt your feelings or criticized you, ask yourself this question:
"SO WHAT? IS IT THE END OF THE WORLD?"
Of course it's not, said the old priest. So bury the hatchet and forgive.
This life, he said, is so fleeting.
It goes by in a flash.
The years zip by in a blur.
So don't waste time feeling anger and hatred.
Forgive.
Next time somebody hurts my feelings or criticizes me, I'm going to practice saying these words in as booming a voice as the old priest:
"SO WHAT? IS IT THE END OF THE WORLD?"
That would be a great way to celebrate the birthday of the Prince of Peace.
Plus, it would guarantee a peaceful heart year-round and that would be a wonderful gift to one's self.
IS IT HARD FOR YOU TO FORGIVE?
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO DO IT IN THE PAST?
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6 comments:
That is a tough question Susan. I have been hurt by lots of things though out my life time. Some things are easy to forgive right away - it's easy - but other things take had work. I have had to make the decision to work on forgiving. And while you forgive - you heal - but sometimes the scars remain.
Love, sandie
I was taught never to hold a grudge, and I've always tried to live my life by that.
I stuggle a bit around this time of year with this issue. When my dad died in 2004, terrible things were said and done by my older sister....well, long story short, I easily forgave her in my mind and for my own heart, but there is no contact because she is toxic for me. I love her and am so excited that after 6 grandsons, she got a grand daughter. But,...as long as I know she is happy,..I will keep myself out of harms way. I love too deeply and cannot afford that kind of hurt again.
I have an easier time forgiving the people I truly love. The people, like co-workers and acquaintances is more difficult for me.
God taught me a long time ago that forgiveness is for me and not the one I forgive. It's a hard lesson and even harder to do sometimes but I try. The weight that lifts from my heart when I forgive is a blessing. Sending you love this Christmas. Linda
Hi Susan -
I've just read all your posts through 12/26.
We often think we must feel some emotion to truly forgive. Yet, we are commanded by the Lord to forgive. It's something we do in obedience. When thoughts of the offense come up, we're to refuse them and reaffirm our forgiveness.
The person is not getting away with anything. Rather, we are placing them in God's hands. He's much better able to deal with wrongs than we are.
Blessings,
Susan :)
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