"Why do I always have to be the one to reach out with forgiveness, even when I'm not guilty?" Another tear slid down her cheek.
I guess that's what it takes some days, for each of us. To reach out and forgive someone something.
There are days I don't feel like forgiving anyone.
Another friend shared the abuse he suffered as a child. "How do I forgive someone I've spent my entire life hating?" He said through clinched teeth.
We are living in a world full of hate.
Some days it seems that's all I hear. More than the hate in their hearts I'm hearing how hurt they are. Those are wounds none of us can see. They are wounds that have festered and grown inside them for years.
I reminded one friend the other day it's like chipping away at a rock. With a chisel. That's what the Master does for each of us. Chisel's away at the hate and replaces it with love and kindness. The people who harbor hate don't know about loving kindness. Some of them have no idea what I'm talking about. In fact, at times I get the "deer in the headlights" look.
My challenge to you is the next time you want to react to an unkind deed, smother them with kindness. Don't yell back, whisper and smile, "I hope your day gets better".
And mean it.
Psalms 130:4 But with you there is forgiveness;
