Winning Words 4/22/11
“Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.” (C.S. Lewis) The Lord’s Prayer is a difficult one. A mother told me how hard it was to pray, “Thy will be done,” as she stood beside her son’s casket. Maybe it’s not so difficult to pray, “Forgive us our trespasses,” until we come to the word, as. “as (in the way that) we forgive those who trespass against us.” CSL was right! ;-) Jack

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: Actually, when I'm praying "as we/I forgive those who trespass against us/me" I'm really realizing it's God I need to lean on to be able to forgive, He gives me any ability I finally have, and when I pray "forgive us/me our trespasses" I'm only believing that when God forgives He does so much stuff all around me/the situation, He is constantly doing so many actions, that finally seems like forgiveness is nestled in a big justice. For us people maybe for us forgiveness is a thing of mind and heart but I believe for God forgiveness is a matter of lots of material/physical/bodily stuff happening too and it's so much bigger and more whole and we're just in it. If we can see, inside of all of His plans for our lives and the whole world. FROM JACK: In praying, I let God "sweat the stuff---big and small."

FROM JL: In many ways it's easier to forgive others than oneself. Some people hold themselves to higher scrutiny than they do others. Either way, it's important to remember that forgiveness is not releasing another from their transgression, it's freeing the self from the longstanding emotions of anger, fear and pain. When we forgive others we free ourselves. FROM JACK: That's one way of looking at it. I've often thought that before forgiveness can be given, it has to be asked for....of God, of others, of self. Something can't be given to someone, if they refuse to accept it, or don't want it.

FROM CL IN MICHIGAN: Those words " As we forgive those who trespass against us" always seem to stick in my throat and have a harder time coming out as boldly as the rest. I guess it just proves how human we all are. FROM JACK: It underscores the fact that being a Christian is a "work in progress."

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: I like this WW. Most good ideas are easy to be enthusiastic about in the abstract. Like: eat right, exercise, be financially responsible, and of course be forgiving--it is the application not the pronouncement that is difficult (at least in my life). FROM JACK: This thought just crossed my mind.....I wonder if it's hard for God to forgive?

FROM MK IN MICHIGAN: I choke on "Forgive us our trespasses" The Lords Prayer is the whole thing, the map for our life giving him glory, pleasing him through our daily walk. It is so tough! Take Care Jack, too early to say Happy Easter, have a blessed weekend, see you next week! FROM JACK: If we say, "Happy Easter," is it OK to say, "Happy Good Friday?" I suppose it is, if we call this Friday, "Good." Good, because all the events of the life of Jesus are meant for us, because God loves us. Life is tough, but God is with us always.

SENT BY SG IN MICHIGAN: I Believe.....That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

FROM BF IN MICHIGAN: This is a good one...especially TODAY! Have a wonderful holiday weekend. FROM JACK: I'm glad that you noticed the connection with Good Friday.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Absolutely! That's why Easter is So meningful. May "Christ is Risen" resonate throughout your house this coming Sunday...and each day following! FROM JACK: The shout, "Christ is risen" is one of our household customs, with the answer, "He is risen, indeed."

FROM FM IN WISCONSIN: At our service last night confession and forgiveness was the emphasis as the service began, then. in the sermon we were directed to the gospel which was read which spoke of the new commandment which our Lord gave us, and we were reminded that their was much which we needed to be forgiven . . . for we have not just broken the 10 commandments, but the great commandment which our Lord proclaimed. A very moving service, concluded with the supper our Lord shared with his disciples. FROM JACK: The old, old story is forever new.

FOM OUTHOUSE JUDY: It's hard to forgive someone who caused great pain in your life and doesn't want forgiveness. You must give it anyway so YOU don't suffer with the pain and guilt. After all, the ones who put Jesus on the cross never asked for forgiveness, but He asked for forgiveness for them anyway! FROM JACK: Thanks for your insight on "forgiveness" expressed from the cross. Any "real" forgiveness is hard.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: I LOVE C.S. Lewis. I just re-read The Screw-tape letters recently, and also a quote form R.Scott Colglazier, Sr. pastor of First Congregational Church in Los Angeles: "Forgiveness is not condoning; Nor is it even repairing what has been broken, though often that is possible. Forgiveness isn't really about the other person at all. Forgiveness is deciding that you need to make peace with a personal situation. You forgive so you can get on with your life." I think this is true...you do it for yourself, and put it behind you and go on. Great for your mental health! :-) Good quote, as usual! FROM JACK: Your comment about often putting the forgiveness emphasis on the other person is so true. Forgiveness (as in the case of God) begins with a willingness to forgive.