Do YOU forgive others?

How many times a day do we hear the words, "I'm sorry"? How many times a day do we actually offer true forgiveness for the wrongs that others have done to us, our family, our friends, etc...? How often do those around us continually commit the same or similar offenses, constantly apologize, and expect our behavior to remain unchanged towards them?

If you are like MOST people...this happens to us all. I know that it happens to me on a daily basis... But Jesus calls for us to not only forgive others...but to then let go of the pain, anger and hurt that we experience. All too often we hold on to that negative emotion and it drags us down and keeps us down. It's like a poison. We must learn to "Let Go and Let God". Easier said than done...and it isn't something that you can just decide to do and then forget about and not continually work at it...it is a daily walk to take and an ever present goal to strive towards. Some days are easier than others...I am human and I have a hard time with this issue. I still have anger that I hold on to and haven't been able to truly let go...but I have found that time softens and helps to numb the initial sting and allows me to see that one day...my "human-ness" will stop standing in my way of being able to fully "let go". Baby steps!! But I know that I am not alone on my journey and will also have strength and unconditional love to draw from. God loves me and forgives me no matter my human weakness and stumbles. That makes me want to completely forgive as well!

Read more about forgiveness in the "UCC Daily Devotional" here: "The Forgiveness Spiral"