Through conversations with other Christians, either at the radio station I am a part of, or the folks I worship and hangout with, I've discovered that forgiving someone else, (or conversely asking for forgiveness), is a tough thing for us.
I talked with someone this morning, who was completely distraught over a relationship gone sour, and Christmas was coming, and they just didn't want to face cousin "so and so" at the holidays over something that had happened years before. As I asked a question or two, it seemed that both parties had forgiven one another for whatever wrong had originally been done, but they never spoke that forgiveness to each other...
Then, I came upon a devotion by author Frederick Buechner (one of my absolute fave writers)... I'll paraphrase, but here's essentially what he said:
"When somebody you've wronged forgives you, you're spared the dull and self-diminishing throb of a guilty conscience. When you forgive somebody who's wronged you, you're spared the dismal corrosion of bitterness and wounded pride. For both parties, forgiveness means the freedom again to be at peace inside their own skins and to be glad in each others presence."Matthew 6: 14-15:“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins."Matthew 5: 23-24 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."Jesus tells us that forgiving is a part of worship, freeing you up to offer your gift without hesitation or reservation. Yet at times, we are all guilty of worshiping at the altar, while a fragment, or perhaps all of our heart rages towards another.
Question... who do you need to forgive, or ask forgiveness from... not just in your heart, but with words?
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