The Harder Thing

 Alyssa, Kyle and Zoe--2005

Today's verse:  "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."  Matthew 6:14-15

Alyssa wrote this poem the other day, and it caused her to giggle for quite some time.  I don't know what happened in her day to cause her to lament on the relationships in her life, and one's need to forgive, but I thought that though it is silly, her poem holds some truth.  She even suggested I could use it in my blog...so here it is.

Forgiveness is hard.
Revenge and anger are easy.
If your mean you're a retard.
And this rhyme is getting cheesy. 

Forgiveness IS hard, but it's always the better choice. 

I liked how "The Message" rewrote the above passage of Scripture...
"In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part"  Matthew 6:14-15

Forgiveness IS hard, but it reaps many benefits, that far outweigh revenge and anger.

Forgiving others frees God to forgive us.
Forgiving others frees our heart from the bondage of bitterness.
Forgiving others frees us to be open to God's blessing.
Forgiving others frees us to mature in our faith.

Forgiveness IS hard, but we are commanded to choose this harder way.

Dear Alyssa and Kyle...
Forgive your parents for not always being the best parents.
Forgive one another...every day for every thing.  
Forgive your friends when they hurt your feelings.
Forgive your enemies, and let go of their hurt.
Forgive.
Always forgive.

Lord, thank you for being a God who always forgives.  You are a beautiful example of how we, as your children, should forgive.  Daily we experience things in our lives that require forgiveness.  Daily we have to choose whether to hold on to the anger and resentment, or release those hurts to you.  Lord, help me, and my children, be slow to anger and quick to forgive.  When it is hard, be our strength and infuse us with your power in order that we may choose to do the harder thing.  Lord, mend the hurts in our hearts that others leave behind.  Use the balm of your Spirit to soothe the sting of harsh words, hurtful actions, and lost relationships.  Lord, help us to forgive others, so in turn we can experience your faithful forgiveness to us.  Forgiveness will always be the hard choice, but you promise beautiful things to happen in our hearts, minds and souls because we seek after this better way.  Lord, help us to forgive others, as you forgive us.  Amen and amen.