Forgiveness From Others

Theme for this week: “Forgiveness”

January 12, 2022 (Wednesday)

Would it be easier for you to give forgiveness or to ask forgiveness? I will not try to answer that question, but I’ll leave it with you. Think about it. This blog will discuss the subject of asking forgiveness from others we may have hurt. The hurt may have been inflicted intentionally or unintentionally. Either way, the only way we can restore the relationship is to apologize and ask forgiveness.

Jesus never apologized for anything because He did not commit sin of any kind. I dare say that you and I cannot make that claim for ourselves. Is there someone, somewhere, to whom you need to apologize? Someone from whom you need to ask forgiveness?

We’ve mentioned in the blogs this week that we would like to have a clean slate regarding our personal relationships as we enter the new year 2022. Can we do that if somebody believes we have hurt them in some way? We cannot have peace within if we cannot apologize to someone we have hurt.

It may have been a misunderstanding. If so, shouldn’t we try to clear that up with the other person? On the other hand, it may have been something done or said in the midst of a situation filled with strong emotions, and in that case we need to sit down with ourself and evaluate what happened. If there is any way we can say something or take an action that will restore communication and good will, shouldn’t we say it or do it?

Seventy years ago, after church one night, two of our church members, driving home with their families, nearly had an accident involving each other. Each of them blamed the other. Feelings of anger were so strong that they never spoke again as long as they lived. That was one of the saddest situations I ever saw. I am sure, however, that it is typical of the kinds of things that cause trouble and disrupt relationships for life that often happen in this day and age.

We need to examine all our personal relationships and ask ourselves if we need to apologize for something done or said, even if it took place years ago.

Good will toward others and getting rid of negative attitudes through reconciliation will give us peace within, and that is something that will give us joy in living. And it may give someone else that joy also.