Psalm 103:12 (New International Version)
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he
removed our transgressions from us.
Is it difficult for you to forgive?
To let the past be past?
It is for me. Nearly impossible some-times. I'm a little
like the elderly Virginian woman who lived to see her beloved Richmond occupied
by Union troops after the American Civil War. The matron was walking down a
Richmond street when she tripped over a step and fell. A Union soldier
courteously helped her up.
"How very kind of you, young man," she said
acidly. "If there is a cool spot in hell, I hope you get it."
Maybe it was still a bit early for her to let go of those
deep-seated resentments. But angry and bitter lives are never happy lives.
A beautiful legend tells of an African tribe that
ritualizes forgiveness. When a tribe member acts irresponsibly or unjustly,
he/she is taken to the center of the village. All work ceases and every man,
woman and child in the village gathers in a large circle around the accused.
Then the tribe bombards the rejected person with affirmations! One at a time,
friends and family enumerate all the good the individual has done. Every
incident, every experience that can be recalled with some detail and accuracy
is recounted. All their positive attributes, strengths and kindnesses are
recited carefully and at length. Finally, the tribal circle is broken, a joyous
celebration takes place, and the outcast is welcomed back into the tribe.
What a beautiful ritual of restoration! They replace hurt
with happiness; pain with peace. Once again they are family. The rejected one
is restored and the village is made whole. Paul Boese has said,
"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the
future." As brothers and sisters in our global village, is letting go of
those resentments really an option?
Dear Lord we pray that today would be the day that we
would forgive and forget just as You have done for us. Thanks for the forgiveness
of our sins. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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