Give up blame and learn forgiveness
We like to blame everyone else. Comedian Flip Wilson used to say in his Geraldine skit that “the Devil made me do it.” We laughed, but we also knew then and know that it was really us. Pontius Pilate publicly washed his hands and said, “I’m not guilty.” But he really knew that he played a role in the death of an innocent man
This is not to say that we are always guilty. Sometimes we experience wrongs that we had no part in creating. Like when a robber breaks into a home. Or a fellow employee lies in order to gain a higher rung on the career ladder. Or a corrupt political official has an innocent person arrested.
Still, Jesus told us to turn loose of the wrongs, not just some but all, that we experience in life – those we joined in creating and those we are innocent of. He has a place called forgiveness where we can drop off these hurts for his judgment and walk away, lighter and more joyful. “Don’t hang on to them,” he says to us.
What have you given yourself permission to carry around?
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34.
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:15.
“There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.” James 2:13.
Question: Is there someone in your life that you are blaming for some circumstance in your life? What responsibility should/could you be accepting for the situation?
Activity: Pray that God will enlarge your capacity to grant grace to those you are having difficulty forgiving. Create a plan for being a more forgiving person.
Prayer: Dear Father, forgiveness is one of the most difficult things you ask us to do, second only to loving our enemies. Through your spirit we ask you remind us of the grace you have shown us. Help us to see there can be no gratitude when we hang on to past hurts and offenses. May we be people who drop such issues at your drop off dock where you will attend to them in your loving way. In Jesus’ name I pray this. Amen.