Forgiveness

Forgiveness
by John D. Trent

Life is an exercise in forgiveness. It is the most essential act for overcoming life's challenges.  However, forgiveness can be difficult. As humans we tend to dwell on the injustice we have experienced; thus, allowing our emotions to control our actions and words.......... in lieu of our minds.

Thich Nhat Hanh, (Zen Buddhist Monk) wrote, "To reconcile conflict, we must have the ability to understand the suffering of both sides."  Though very difficult, we must make time to understand and to mindfully contemplate 'Why' we feel violated or 'wronged'.  Many times, the offender is dealing with their own internal struggles which impact their perception; thus, they say or act in a such a way that is unacceptable to us , but behave in a manner which is consistent with their own reality.

By not forgiving, we become a prisoners of our own ill will and feelings. As written in Ephesians 4:31-32, "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor,and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."  Consider the last time you forgave someone.... how did it feel?  Did you feel relieved?  Did you feel as if a weight had been lifted? 

In summary, Catherine Ponder wrote, "When you hold resentment towards another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link".   In the end, we must consider whether or not to be held hostage by our negative feelings or allow ourselves to be free.  I hope you chose to be free, for life is too short.

I'm going to start off this morning by forgiving myself............   I feel better already!