Oh-- THAT F-word. . . .


I believe forgiveness is the best form of love in any relationship. It takes a strong person to say they’re sorry,
and an even stronger person to forgive. –Yolanda Hadid


For many of us, this time of year is filled with opportunities to get together with family and friends, to break out the old family favorite recipes, fill the house with wonderful holiday smells, and gather round the table to share a meal—and more—in love.

But I wonder if there is someone missing? When your family gathers, is there someone you wish were there, but who hasn’t attended for years, because of something that happened so long ago that no one even remembers anymore? Or maybe the offense is more recent. Maybe it’s about politics, or religion, or the person someone wants to share their life with.

Who is missing from your gathering this year?

Before you address another Christmas card, before you begin checking out the ads for the groceries you’ll need for The Big Meal, stop. Who’s on your heart? Who needs a call? To whom might you need to offer an apology—and to whom might you need to extend forgiveness?

Don’t wait another day. Whatever the offense, whoever the offender (even if it’s yourself), there is no time like right now to break down a wall that’s divided us. Offer forgiveness. Accept forgiveness. Advent is a season for healing, for moving forward and starting afresh.

Use that F-word (forgiveness) lavishly. It’s easier than you think. It costs nothing, and the benefits are eternal. (You might even need to “F” yourself, don’t you think?)

Monday Pause today and count a few blessings. If you can, send a note of thanks to someone who made your way easier. Ezekiel 34:25-27

Tuesday Do you struggle to see the Imago Dei, the image of God, when you look in the mirror? Pray today for a loving heart—for yourself. Genesis 1:26-27

Wednesday Be honest with yourself. Is there someone or something against which you find yourself innately biased? Confess to God and ask for peace. Genesis 21:8-13

Thursday Just for fun—read the back of one of your bills or statements. Praise God that God doesn’t hold us to such legal requirements, but simply loves us and forgives us. Period. John 3:16-17

Friday Take time today to call a friend or family member with whom you’ve lost touch. If there are fences to mend, try to mend them. Genesis 28:10-17

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, spend time in silence and meditate on God’s unconditional love for you, God’s beloved child. Philippians 1:9-11

Sunday Greet one another in Christian love. Worship and praise the God who loves us just because, and is always proud of us, no matter what. Amen? 1 Kings 8:22-24

When you forgive, you in no way change the past—
but you sure do change the future. –Bernard Meltzer

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