Forgiveness

Wouldn't our world be a far better place if we were all more forgiving?!

We humans are always doing something to upset others. Whether it's inadvertent or on purpose, we have a tendency to ruffle feathers, cause a rukus and have temper tantrums. We want our way and demand that OUR voice be heard...all while discounting and demeaning others and their ideas, thoughts and beliefs.

And then an argument, disagreement or even a knock down, drag out fight happens! Then comes the blame, shame, finger pointing and bashing of each other's character. This can be short lived or drawn out for years. It can be worked out, vented out, talked out OR it can be brushed under the carpet or left to fester into a horrible gaping wound.

It would be great if we humans didn't get to this point in our relationships, but it happens. Sadly a lot. Marriages break up. Families break apart. Friendships get severed. This affects lots of people. Sometimes two people will start with a problem and then a whole group gets involved and that is how wars start.

Now, what if...we all had the desire and goal to, first of all...not let things get to a fever pitch! But if things did happen to get "spicy", that the parties involved would take a minute (or longer) to collect themselves and then either ask for forgiveness or give forgiveness for a wrong?

What if we could forgive each other with as much love, patience and understanding as when Jesus forgives us? What would that look like?

What if we didn't always need to be right? Or win? Or get our way?

What would that look like?

How about we all try to forgive each other? How about we try to "walk in someone else's moccasins" and see their perspective? How about we agree to disagree sometimes? How about we celebrate our differences and opinions? How about we come at people with LOVE instead of anger, resentment and bitterness?

How about we forgive like Jesus?