I know you don't want to hear about it:
Forgiveness
It's a pretty sore subject right after Christmas.
The relational dynamics surrounding this wonderful holiday can sometimes cause hurt feelings and misunderstandings.
For example, the the past couple of years, someone very close to me (but far away geographically) has neglected to send me a Christmas card.
I always send her one, and I can't understand how this could happen three years in a row unless she's maybe, I hope not, but possibly. . . angry with me. After all, she sends a Christmas card to all the other close people we're both associated with.
It's not the card, you see. It's the fact that she gets one from me--hello? -- and then doesn't reciprocate.
Sounds silly, doesn't it?
If I'm not careful, I can get kind of miffed about this silly Christmas card thing.
Now, I know some family misunderstandings are much more serious than this.
But most of the annoying things that happen between family members during the holidays approximate my Christmas card example.
I'm glad I have some really wonderful words in the Bible to help counsel me. The following words help smoothe my ruffled feathers.
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Col. 3:13 NIV Bible)
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Eph. 4:32)
You may have had your feathers ruffled by a family member during the Holidays.
Today is the day to meditate on the truth of God's Word.
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us. . . " (Eph. 5:1-2)
Forgiveness
It's a pretty sore subject right after Christmas.
The relational dynamics surrounding this wonderful holiday can sometimes cause hurt feelings and misunderstandings.
For example, the the past couple of years, someone very close to me (but far away geographically) has neglected to send me a Christmas card.
I always send her one, and I can't understand how this could happen three years in a row unless she's maybe, I hope not, but possibly. . . angry with me. After all, she sends a Christmas card to all the other close people we're both associated with.
It's not the card, you see. It's the fact that she gets one from me--hello? -- and then doesn't reciprocate.
Sounds silly, doesn't it?
If I'm not careful, I can get kind of miffed about this silly Christmas card thing.
Now, I know some family misunderstandings are much more serious than this.
But most of the annoying things that happen between family members during the holidays approximate my Christmas card example.
I'm glad I have some really wonderful words in the Bible to help counsel me. The following words help smoothe my ruffled feathers.
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Col. 3:13 NIV Bible)
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Eph. 4:32)
You may have had your feathers ruffled by a family member during the Holidays.
Today is the day to meditate on the truth of God's Word.
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us. . . " (Eph. 5:1-2)
Thank you, Dena, for this reminder to love as Christ loves. And to forgive as He forgives. We certainly need to keep our focus on Him so we don't refuse to love and forgive, don't we?
ReplyDeleteKnowing how busy the Christmas season can be has given me the ability to add grace to my relationships. This year, I almost missed sending out Christmas cards because of time pressures and a cranky computer!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Susan :)
Dena -- Thank you for sharing this. We have had a wonderful family Christmas this year because family members were willing to forgive grievances from the past! God's word certainly has the answers.
ReplyDeleteThanks , Nancy, Susan and Dave. It's hard to forgive, until we remember how much Christ has forgiven us. I appreciate the wisdom you've each shared.
ReplyDelete