Forgiveness

For your consideration…

I titled today’s message about forgiveness. However, there are many different parts to it. Trust that the part that speaks to your heart is intended for you. And above all, listen with a gentle and loving heart.

We have all been betrayed at one time or another. Depending on who and what was done determines how deep the wound. We don’t want to minimize that pain but at the same time the process…what needs to be done…is exactly the same. We have to suspend judgment and forgive. Otherwise it continues to eat away and poison our soul. It prevents us from trusting, loving fully and having complete faith. It keeps us from being our very best self.

Another part of today’s message is about intention. Was the betrayal intended or not. Today is Psalm Sunday. We can use Peter and Judas as examples. Remember just as Jesus said he would, Peter denied knowing him three times before the rooster crowed. He thought he could never deny knowing Jesus but fear overtook him and before he knew it he had indeed issued the three denials. Judas on the other hand intended to betray Jesus. He was greedy and wanted gold.

Both Peter and Judas repented what they had done. Peter begged forgiveness and rededicated himself to his Faith and Jesus. Judas also repented. He gave back the gold but the damage was done. He did not believe he could be forgiven. He saw no future. Did not believe he could be of service and he hung himself.

Think about that whether our action or the betrayal done to us was intentional or not, can there not be a loving redemptive path forward? We may never have the same relationship with the person who betrayed us. But we can forgive and bless them in the HOPE that they can find their kinder loving self and offer it to the world.

We are asked to let go of bitterness. Forgive ourselves and others. Recognize the intention and make sure it is loving to ourselves and others.

That is the HOPE. And so it is.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…

-Affirm…“I am loved.”

-Affirm…“I am loving.”

-Forgive.

-Drink lots of water.

-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.

-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”

What made me smile yesterday….

-A down day.

-Caught up on taped shows.

-Read.

-Talked to my sister and Alex.

Love, Blessings and Gratitude,

Rev. Chris