How much do we need to forgive, and be forgiven?

He that is unwilling to forgive damages the bridge over which he must pass if he would reach his eternal destination. 

Everyone - and I mean everyone - you, me, each and every one of us - needs to forgive and to be forgiven.   

As we ask God to forgive us and expect Him, in His mercy and grace, to do so, we must dig down deep to find forgiveness for those that have injured us. 

This then is God’s will. And as it comes to fruition, it fulfills His perfect intent and purpose in each one of us.

I wonder, could it possibly be that the unwillingness to forgive is the "unforgivable sin" that so many have speculated upon? If so, then it is doubly, triply important that we go to the Eternal One - who is the source and strength that we need to call upon - for that which we yearn: perfect peace and happiness. 

We all stand in need of forgiveness. 

How arrogant would we be to say that we are in need of nothing! 

I know a lady, now in her eighties, that hates her mother.  Yes, she hates her mother, even though mama has been dead for several years. 

What is it that causes people to hold on to self-destructive practices?

My darling Nancy and I have been married for nearly thirty years. In that time, she has suffered from Multiple sclerosis (MS), and Alzheimer’s disease for well over twenty of those years; twenty long years of struggle. Now, in the advanced stages of dementia, this well-educated world traveler is almost unrecognizable from her former self, and though an extremely difficult situation, I have been placed in the position of having her admitted to a nursing home for her own good. That was a heartwrending decision, but one that had to be made, though very reluctantly.   

Dear God, how I love this woman!

But how can I love her, you might ask, when she has wished me dead so many times?

You see, Nanny, out of her confusion, doubt and fear, has threatened to kill me endless number of times. She has attacked me physically and verbally many times as well. But I seek to look beyond, as I recognize that this is out of her illness. And, I love her. 

Now, for the last seven years, when it is at all possible, I visit her ever day. I feed her, talk to her, and hold her hand. I kiss her and assure her of my love. Yes! I love her! Thank you, Papa God, for this lady.

 Is this an ideal, perfect situation?  No. But, I love her.

Would I desire things to be different? Assuredly! But, I love her. I loved her back when she was whole... and I love her today, when she is not.

Do I remember the slights, the mistakes, the angry words?  Sometimes, yes. But, I love her. And I know that she loves me. And isn’t that what marriage and friendship is all about?

How much do we need to forgive and to be forgiven?  If I am unwilling to forgive my brothers and my sisters on this earthly sojourn, how can I expect a Holy God to forgive me?

Live simply,
Love generously,
Trust God, and make a difference, today

Father, Papa God, thank you for your forgiveness and your mercy. It is only by your love and grace that we are deemed worthy. Thank you for your example of love that we can love, by your mercy that we can show mercy, by your forgiveness that we can show forgiveness. Oh Holy God, thank you for your great and holy love.  In Jesus’ wonderful name we ask this, Amen

Charles Towne