A Lifestyle of ForgivenessSample

A Couple More

We all have potential irritations or offenses in our lives. Maybe some feel major, maybe some are minor, but all are a good chance to practice forgiveness. Here are a couple more examples:

· Family in general. I had an interesting chat with a friend one time about getting together with family at holiday time. There is an older person in her family who is very grumpy, picky, and critical. The way my friend described it was this person “takes the whole family hostage” -- meaning they don’t want to do this or that, they won’t eat this or that, things have to be done a certain way, everyone does it wrong, etc. I could tell it was very stressful for my friend. There can be many variations on this theme, but very often one (or more) person can change the dynamics in a family. I fully believe in laying down some healthy, rational boundaries for people like that (even relatives). But be sure to forgive first. Forgiving them (often if necessary!) rather than talking about them or dreading their presence, makes it possible for God to move in their lives. It also helps you keep your peace! Romans 14:19 says: Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

· Being slighted. It’s so easy to get offended (and hold a grudge) when someone slights us or doesn’t give us our due. Maybe you waved at someone and they didn’t wave back. Maybe someone said something to you with the wrong tone or facial expression, or maybe they talked down to you or made you feel stupid. Or maybe someone didn’t answer your text or phone call, and you start imagining all the reasons why: “Maybe she’s mad…or she hates me…or she’s a snob…that’s it, I’m never speaking to her again…” when in reality there could be a perfectly good reason. Rather than taking things personally, being hurt or angry over being slighted or made to feel stupid, might I suggest forgiving instead? Proverbs 12:16 says, Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults (MSG). Forgiveness lets you walk away and forget it (shrug it off) not letting the pain or irritation stick to you.