Forgiveness Running Dry?

I had a brother-in-law who used to say that guilt is the gift that keeps on giving. I’d like to say that a better gift to keep on giving is the gift of forgiveness.

Forgiveness cannot be purchased, wrapped up and given as a gift. But, once we have experienced it for ourselves, we can distribute it to various people, in various ways, at various times.

Though I was not fully cognizant of what forgiveness really meant at the time I forgave my father, I still understood intuitively at my gut level that forgiving my father was what I needed to do. Afterward, I had this visceral feeling of buoyancy in my heart that I at the time I could not explain. But since then, I’m convinced that forgiving my father is what literally lifted a heavy weight off my heart; the weight of resentment. 

Forgiveness is nothing tangible, and yet, if we experience it, if we pay attention, we’ll see  results that point back to forgiveness.

One of the results of forgiveness in my own life is having new ways of thinking about others. Any time we have the opportunity to be around family, acquaintances, friends or strangers, we will have numerous possibilities

I don’t think people consciously intend to offend me, but sometimes I am offended by people. They speak what seem like accusatory words and their actions appear ill mannered. Am I too sensitive, old school or possess unrealistic expectations?  

I’ve quit analyzing why I may have taken offense and instead, use those upset feelings as a cue to access thoughts that won’t feed my displeasure toward someone, but rather keep peace between us. That is what forgiveness does. 

Once we’ve forgiven someone, the doorway to where the infinite treasures of forgiveness lie is swung wide open and whenever we need to, we can access yet another treasure of forgiveness. When we feel stung by someone’s words or actions, the storehouse of forgiveness is open and accessible to reach for patience, peace, love, humor, lightheartedness, or kindness and apply it liberally to ourselves first, and then to others.

Why Bother?

Why bother not letting your forgiveness run dry? We certainly do not want to be left high and dry without forgiveness. There are just too many occasions where it can be applied. 

P. S.  I wrote the story of my journey to forgiveness for those who need clarity when it comes to understanding forgiveness. You can find A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness at Redemption Press and Amazon.