But when someone has done nothing at all to merit forgiveness... that is a whole different matter.
As I listened, I was again struck by the the truth of a thought someone once expressed with far more eloquence than I ever could. I wish I could find the exact quote and credit its author. But the sense of it is this:
Most of us want mercy and forgiveness for ourselves. And for those who have wronged us, most of us want justice.
Jesus' incarnation was a miracle, and throughout his earthly life he performed many more. His willingness to undergo the pain and humiliation of crucifixion was a miracle, as was his resurrection.
But perhaps the greatest miracle of all is God's extravagant forgiveness... something that we can never deserve.
May we follow his example in performing the miracle of forgiveness!
When I was growing up, children were to be seen and not heard. I broke out in tears if I needed to speak to my dad. Being pushed aside, or harshly dealt with when caught in a lie or what ever, caused me much anger. It took me many years to forgive and understand where my anger came from. Time does not always heal wounds, and they must be dealt with and not glossed over. Even if the person is passed on to glory, there still needs to be forgiveness. We know God forgives our past, but we too must face and forgive those who have trespassed against us and forgive ourselves for our anger toward them.
ReplyDeleteMaybe this is serendipity or 'whatever', but i have the same experience and past with A Joyful Noise above. I didn't know there are still a period like that too in advanced countries like yours! In our case, customs changed already from our generation of "children-only-seen-not-heard" to my niece and nephew generation. I don't have children but they are like my own, and we see to it that they speak for themselves and be heard, so they wont be like us. But the effects of anger embedded in the consciousness is deep, and when my father was in his deathbed i find it difficult to see where my love is. But eventually i found it, and maybe forgiveness too, which gave the peacefulness in me when he left. However, as i said the effect embedded in the psyche is unconsciously showing up in many ways, and very very difficult to eradicate. Thanks. Lastly, that is a very nice photo.
ReplyDeleteSometimes forgiveness is such a struggle. In fact, impossible for us -- but by calling on Christ to give us His forgiveness with which to forgive, it still can happen. Just this month I wrote how this happened to Corrie ten Boom, in this post, http://sylvrpen.com/2012/02/love-my-enemies-a-how-to-step-1a/ -- and (some more serendipity?) the post before it deals with the importance of not burying those old hurts!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this good post! God bless!
The story of Our Lady of Kibeho which I reviewed here: http://www.sufferingwithjoy.com/2010/07/29/our-lady-of-kibeho/ is one of the greatest lessons in forgiveness. The story of Immaculée Ilibagiza who was hunted by friends and acquaintances in the great Rwandan genocide of 1994 and forgave everyone who killed her family made my petty grievances against others seem even more petty. Whenever I am having trouble forgiving I ask God's help and think of her situation.
ReplyDeleteOF COURSE, I should be easily and quickly forgiven. I never do anything purposefully wrong. Just ask my husband, kids, g-kids, and friends. [and, of course, they would all roll their eyes and laugh and say, "she's being sarcastic again."] Anyhow, you're right. It is important to forgive, even if the person has no outward sign that they care at all. I'm sometimes amazed when the family of a murder victim stands in court and offers forgiveness. And it is obvious that they truly mean it. I hope I can be faithful in that manner. The blessed result of forgiveness is God's, not mine.
ReplyDeleteOh, wow. THis is very profound. I'll be thinking about this for a while. Seems every where I turn lately I'm reading about forgiveness. I've been searching my heart, looking for what God is speaking over me. Adding your words too. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautifully written reminder of God's heart of forgiveness!
ReplyDeleteYou might also enjoy my recent post discussing God's forgiveness: http://josephjpote.com/2012/02/does-god-harbor-unforgiveness/
Thanks for sharing!
So true. When we think about how much Christ forgave it makes it so much easier to forgive others. The story of Joseph and how he treated and forgave his brothers always inspires me when I need to forgive someone.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing on Spiritual Sundays.
Blessings,
Charlotte
So true. God is so awesome. As we begin this new season of Lent 2012, I was reading various encouraging Bible verses on Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection. The thought that He would do that for us, for me, is beyond incredible and truly, as you wisely point out, a wondrous miracle. Thanks for another sweet reminder.
ReplyDeleteHis grace, still ... amazes ... me. Thanks for linking at Getting Down With Jesus. :)
ReplyDelete