Jesus’ prayer                                                              March 22, 2010

   "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive us. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."     Matthew  6:14-15

    This scripture comes from perhaps the most famous prayer of all, the "Lord's Prayer".  Whenever hurt happens, it is a time of decision to make a change in your life.  We can ignor it or deal with it negatively; or we can deal with it in a creative way that will contribute to our growth as a human and Christian people.

    Forgiveness and love is more healthy, than bitterness and vengence.  As long as you are bitter, someone else owns your energy, your peace, and your power to love.  Unforgiveness blinds you.  It is a robber and a destroyer of your soul and life.  No one is worthy of that.  Unforgiveness is self abuse.  The message says, "I want to keep repeating this experience over and over again." Forgiveness is the greatest gift we can give ourselves.  It is not a feeling, but a choice

we have to make.  It frees us from our anger held within.  It gives us a sense to go on with life even if it will be different than before.  It is a new journey in life that may take time, patience, and prayer.  Reconciliation not only restores our relationship with others but also with GOD.  It will help us grow and be a better person.

    I would pray the people in our community, will not walk through life with an unforgiving heart.  It diminishes our relationship and causes barriers between other people, ourselves, and most of all God. 

    When it comes to forgiveness, our perfect model is JESUS.  Especially, with Jesus dying on the Cross-forgiving all the people who planned, plotted, and carried out the crucifixion.  Jesus died forgiving his enemies, and His hope and desire for us, is that we do the same.  Remember to say the Lord's Prayer with heartfelt meaning.   Amen.

Kathleen Hunter