The F Word

Out of all the commands that Jesus gives us, it seems as if the principle of forgiveness is one of the hardest to follow. Many people find the word forgive as offensive as a curse word. “How dare you suggest that a person be forgiven after what they did?” There is a tendency to think that forgiveness only benefits the offender, but the truth is that it benefits the offended much more. Even while knowing this truth, forgiving someone else can still feel almost impossible.

One of the main things that can help us forgive is to remind ourselves of the times that someone has forgiven us. It is important to think about how it feels to be forgiven of a wrong no matter how big or small. Remembering our imperfections aids us in forgiving the imperfections of others. The most important thing to be mindful of, is the forgiveness we receive from our Heavenly Father. How could we not forgive when all our sins have been forgiven through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ? Even the mistakes we haven’t made yet. When Jesus has lifted the shame and guilt from our shoulders, why would we replace that with the burden of unforgiveness for another person. Jesus expresses the gravity of this in Mark 11:26. 

As you enjoy your special day, please keep in mind that we live in a broken world full of broken people. None of us are perfect, and it is important to extend the same grace that has been given to us. I pray that we all make the word forgive a vital part of our vocabulary. God Bless.

Frank H

  ’80 / ’94  San Jose Costa Rica

Doris Jean H

’44 / ’55 Manheim PA