THAT'S A LOT OF POTATOES

065 – JANUARY 2009

THAT’S A LOT OF POTATOES

When someone has offended you and caused you harm, it is just not easy to extend forgiveness (The greater the harm – the greater the challenge.) Our flesh loves to bathe in the warm pool of unforgiveness. It feels good to be upset with the villains of our life and we hang on with great excuses and justification.
“I need to forgive that person … But, but, but!!!” Sounds like a billy goat!
Unforgiveness is a soul weight that easily besets us. In a physical comparison – it would be like going through life while dragging around a 100 pound bag of potatoes.

Unforgiveness! We place a debt on someone. Maybe we want an apology? Maybe a confession of blame? A bit of remorse? Or maybe it’s a money thing? We require something. They owe us. We should know because we have sent the Accounts Payable to them. Multiple times!!! They owe us for the mistake that they made and we will hold that grudge we until we receive payment … or until we die. Ouch!

The ”Lord’s Prayer” is found in the 6th chapter of Matthew and contains this contingency request in verse 12.
“And forgive us our debts (trespasses) as we forgive our debtors (those who trespass against us).”
Quite simply, we pray that God will forgive us and we ask Him to do it in the same manner that we forgive others. Ouch #2! It might be better to drop the prerequisite that we give to him and just pray “Forgive me my trespasses and disregard the manner with which I forgive those who trespass against me.”

It seems rather silly. I know that you have earned the right to hold the grudge but it would be so much easier to accept the challenge and take the high road of forgiveness. It’s a decision that you need to make. Do away with the “fitting” debt to your hurt and maltreatment. Let go of excuses and justifications. Take the time to think about this and decide to forgive someone.
This could be a great way to begin the New Year. Release the debt. Set free the person who has wronged you. Deliver yourself. And, liberate your family and friends, who are probably being affected by this added weight.

So – be good to your soul. Let go of that sack of potatoes . 100 pounds! It will put that hop back into your step.

Next? I gotta lose 20 pounds. And, I’m talking about body.