Reflection
Unfortunately, we encounter a great deal of anger presently. It expresses itself from relatively minor encounters to tragic behavior that costs lives. An angry bitter attitude poisons us from within. It turns life sour and robs us of peace. It drives us to vindicate ourselves in harmful and inappropriate ways. Living in reality can replace resentment and anger with a realistic view. It is based in a healthy understanding of our own failures as well as our perceived hurts; it keeps life in balance. It is important to try to live this way and to share that perspective with others. The goal of this more balanced, more objective, and more honest view is reconciliation. It can be the key to the healing of relationships and ultimately to the healing of our society.
Prayer
Help me, O God, to be both realistic and forgiving.
Action
How do I look at life? Is my attitude one of bitterness and anger for any reason? How can I forgive myself and others?
Suggested Readings
I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.
Luke 7:36 -50
The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ ” ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ “
Luke 15:28-31
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.
Hebrews 8:12.
Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.
If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive.
Mother Teresa.
When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free.
Catherine Ponder
To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.