Forgiveness

We teach kids to forgive, but we adults sometimes need refresher courses. Here's a quick one: a real apology doesn't use passive aggressive statements like, "I'm sorry you feel that way." It avoids the word "but," as in, "I'm sorry I did that, but you forced me..." Ditto for other words that blame the person we have wronged. How do we know if we've done it right? Well, if we walk away feeling better about ourselves at the expense of the other person, we did it wrong. If we find ourselves wanting to do something about our own actions and not the other person's reaction, we're on the right track.

Lord Jesus, it can be hard to forgive other.

Be with us as we try.

Remind us how you forgave your friends, and forgave those who hurt you.

Remind us that you forgive us too.