The Ball's in Your Court

October 22, 2022

Starting something is not easy. Starting over is harder.

Starting requires getting the necessary supplies together, then getting up the determination to move forward. There is uncertainty as to whether the course you set will accomplish the hoped-for goal.

Starting over means not only covering new ground, but also erasing any previous efforts. That erasing business is the toughest part, because it almost always requires somebody else’s help to get rid of the rubble. Our missteps affect those around us. You can move out of town, avoid a certain group of friends or family, but the rubble is still there. Will they forgive? You cannot force them to.

Turning that around, I would say that one of the greatest gifts you will ever give is forgiveness. To completely forgive someone means giving up hard feelings and revenge that rightfully belong to you. You’ve earned them! You endured pain, tears, and humiliation. You have the power to hold a grudge and keep the unforgiven person suffering just a little bit. They can’t really start over unless you forgive. I could go so far as to say forgiveness is the gift of life.

So do it. Forgive anyone that has hurt you. It may be more than you think is possible, so pray to God for God’s help.

Make their day, and make yours.

Matthew 18:21-22: “Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother who sins against me? As many as seven times times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, I tell you, but seventy-seven times’”.