The Power in Forgiveness
There is a story about two brothers who went to see their minister to settle a long-standing feud. The Minister got the two to reconcile their difference and shake hands. As they were about to leave, he asked each one to make a wish for the other. The first brother turned to the other and said, “I wish you what you wish me.” At that, the second brother threw up his hands and said, “See, Pastor, he’s starting up again!”
Sometimes it is like that, isn’t it? We assume that others are out to get us. Sometimes a relationship has been so stressed that it is hard for us to imagine a better way. What if the second brother had been able to say, “Well, I wish you a beautiful life.” How might that have changed the dynamic and helped to heal the relationship?
In your own life, I pray that you would remember the power of forgiveness. May you be the first to reach out and try to reconcile any hurting relationships. Even when reconciliation is not possible, may you be the first to wish the other person a beautiful life.
Let us pray: Sometimes O God, we harbor a lot of resentment. We carry around the baggage of old hurts and wounds, and it gets heavy. Help us to walk away when we need to, but always to forgive and to let go. When possible, give us your courage and strength that we would be the first to reconcile. In doing so, may we experience the fullness of your grace. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
