Yes, here I am again, talking more about Donald Spoto's Reluctant Saint: The Life of Francis of Assisi. I read the book from cover to cover (minus the notes and bibliography), and this passage on the third to last page may be the only reason I'm grateful I didn't DNR it.
Spoto writes,
"Jesus summed it up as love of God, made evident in love of neighbor--and the habit of forgiveness as the required standard of our love of God and of God's embrace of us. By forgiveness we do not mean that something wicked is to be forgotten, much less that it is not so wicked after all; forgiveness means the refusal to seek vengeance, to wish or to wreak pain, suffering or death on the offending enemy. Godliness, in other words, is about peace in all its ramifications." (213)
Peace is my goal for 2018 and can be followed by my Authentically Me series. Something I realized in May is that I need to show more love in order to feel more of the peace I'm seeking. My problem lies in true forgiveness. I fear being hurt in the same way or by people I have yet to meet. I don't like the idea of forgiving someone I know will not change because they haven't changed by my previous actions.
Spoto's passage reminds me that forgiveness is never for the other person; it is only for me and God. If God can forgive my sins in His perfection, how much more should I be able to forgive others when I do the same? I am not more worthy than the next, but my pain blinds me to the truth that everyone is as much a child of the Lord as I am.
Forgiveness means not wishing harm or pain. Forgiveness means moving forward in your life. Forgiveness means not hoping for the worst or for revenge. Forgiveness means that it is not forgotten and so allows us to be vigilant in the future. If a snake bites us once, it is okay for us to assume it will bite again. We can be open to a continued relationship, but always remember that if are hurt again, the second time is on us for being open.
May I forgive others as God has forgiven me. May I always be kind and courteous to all God's children. May I remember my Lord's power and humble myself.
I hand everything to You, my Lord. Shield me from vanity in all forms: pride, power, and superiority. Heal Your children and bring us to our knees for Your sake. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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