Forgiveness

Universal truth - Forgiving heals the forgiver more than the forgiven. 

Pastor Rob had an amazing message today focused on Forgiveness math.  It was really interesting.  I'll post a link when it is available to view online.

A story shared during the message which is jumbled compared to the way it is was shared goes something like this:

When someone trespasses against you it is like being bitten by a snake.  Logic says to chase after the snake in an effort to kill it as a form of revenge to keep it from biting someone else. To take revenge on the snake.  What most of us forget is once the snake has bit, the poison has entered the body.  If we chase after the snake the poison gets moved around the body and becomes toxic.  Stop and extract the poison.  Extracting the poison of trespasses is only possible through forgiveness.  My mind was blown. 

 Forgive always.  Don't count koo. Revenge is futile.  Forgive those who trespass against us even if it is not asked; forgiveness heals.  Keep track of trespasses is keeping the poison in the body.  Forgiveness relieves the body of poison that is often held onto.  Sometimes the hardest one to forgive is ourselves.  Forgive those you are in a relationship; forgive those you do not.  Forgive whether or not it is requested.  

Once again reminded of the simplicity and the universality of the Lord's prayer.  Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Boom goes the dyn-O-mite!  It doesn't say keep track.  It doesn't say to harbor the pain of the trespass.  It doesn't say only if requested.  Simply forgive those who trespass against us.  Praise God.  Amen.

Also reminded of Erika Kirk speaking at her husband's funeral.  With tears in hear eyes, Erika boldly forgave the person that killed her husband.  Ultimate releasing of a wrong so easy to harbor.  Ultimately cleansed her heart of poison of trespass.  Ultimate strength.  In time of weakness when it would be so easy to hold on to the hate and resentment for more than a lifetime.  And somehow, she forgave.  With tears in her eyes and in her heart.  I was touched and moved by the grace through strength in the courageous and certainly difficult practice of living the grace God has shown us to someone who caused immeasurable hurt to a woman, her family, a nation and all who knew Charlie. That is the same grace God showed us when he died on the cross for those who trespassed against him.  Let us have the strength to do the same to those who trespass against us.

My Dad asked if I would take him to church on All Saints Sunday, which is next Sunday.  All Saints day is when members of the church family remember the faithful departed, whether they are known or unknown.  I didn't want to as I wanted to attend my home church.  I discussed issue with my sister as she experienced All Saints Sunday last year after the death of her husband.  She shared she had a deep and pained cry when Craig's name was called.  It hurt.  She went to the alter, took light from the Christ candle and lit a candle in Craig's name.  I hope through that light it is more than a memory but a forgiveness of the horrible wrong that was done to my her, her husband, their family and all those who knew him.  Knowing that Craig is in heaven with God and they will be reunited when her time on Earth comes to an end.  Just as my Dad will be reunited with God, his parents, his wife and our Mom.

May the Lord bless you and keep you and make his face shine upon you and be gracious onto you.  May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.