The sign is up. It was posted some time ago but it is still in effect today. The perimeter has been appropriately fenced and the gate installed. The audible alarm is on and the door and window locks in place. Still, no matter what you do, and no matter how proactive you are, there are trespassers. Trespassers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They may be family, friends, neighbors and yes, even spouses. Trespassers come at all times of the year. No season is off limits. They may trespass during a holiday celebration or while you are on vacation.
Trespassers use various modes to accomplish their act. Some text, others call on the phone and many send their stinging message by way of a third party messenger or accomplice. Shock, disbelief, anger and hurt feelings typically follow the trespassers act. How could they? What were they thinking? It is hard to understand and even harder to forgive them.
Forgiveness is a gift that you give yourself. It may seem that you are letting the trespasser off the hook but really when you forgive them you release their hold on you. Without forgiveness they hold you hostage. You are the one reeling in anger, re-thinking and re-telling the story and being stuck in their selfish and ignorant web of insensitivity.
Think about it. When you do, you may decide to change the no trespassing sign you carefully placed to one that reads "No Trespassing but if You do I Forgive You."
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? “Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18: 21-22
No comments:
Post a Comment