Real Hope: ForgivenessSample

The Best Christmas Gift

Christmas is meant to be a time of family gatherings filled with love. However, these times are often marked by tension. Unresolved misunderstandings and conflict that have been pushed aside in people’s hearts bubble to the surface and everyone in the room feels it. Or worse still, certain family members may just not come to the family gathering. Denial, treating people as if they no longer exist, holding onto hurts without seeing our own contribution to the conflict, being unwilling to consider the other person’s perspective, feeling justified in punishing someone without being willing to help them understand the hurt, or being unwilling to accept a genuine apology, are all signs of un-forgiveness.

Of course, God never asks us to return to an abusive relationship. God does ask us to remember the forgiveness we’ve received through Christ and to allow that gift of forgiveness to soften our hearts towards others.

I’ve found, as I allow my heart to be softened, I’m able to be kinder and more compassionate with people where there has been tension. I’m also able to seek to put the relationship above the issues and to find ways to have healthy conversations that lead to forgiveness on both sides. Is there a relationship that you long to have reconciled? Let’s pray together and ask for God’s help.

God, thank you for forgiving me so completely. As I think about your loving-kindness and compassion towards me, help me show that same kindness and compassion in relationships where there is tension. Let your kingdom come; let loving forgiveness win the day. Let this be the best Christmas gift for my family this year. Amen

Written by KATH HENRY