School on Sunday

"Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us."
Matthew 6:12

So, do you have someone in your life whom you just can't seem to forgive? I mean, really, truly forgive? It's hard. It can be difficult. Sometimes it may even be next to impossible.

I listened to a really inspiring sermon today. Going along with the past couple of weeks, our minister has been preaching on the topic: Learning to Pray with the Master. Very interesting. Very inspiring.

As a child, I remember learning The Lord's Prayer, and feeling so smart when we recited it aloud in church. I knew all the words by heart, and could proudly stand amongst the congregation members and boldly profess my prayer like a real grown-up. In my over-active mind, I was so polished and accomplished...

I guess I thought the words were like magic.... Abra-Cadabra!.... I never took the time to ponder the significance and decode the message.

So, anyway, as he talked it all started to make sense. "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."

It was interesting to listen as the minister explained that we expect God to forgive us, but that we pray the prayer, "...as we forgive those that sin against us."

I began to contemplate...humm... I can't expect God to do something, that I myself, am not willing to do. If I want to be forgiven, I must also forgive.

Do I honestly forgive others? Do I really forgive the people I feel have wronged me, or crumbled the hearts of those I care about, or shattered the lives of innocent children?

If God is going to forgive me, I must also truly forgive those who have casued hurt and anger on my end. Seems like a good deal, huh?

I'm sure it's not going to be the easiest thing ever, but I am going to give it my best shot.

I've gotta jet. I have a few grudges I must let go (wink*).