Spiritual Disciplines: Forgiveness

How do we learn to forgive others completely? To understand more of God's forgiveness?

This past 18 months there have been money thefts from my home 3 different times: from an ATM connected to an account for Nasser; from an ATM for my VISA card; and most recently from the Church's Charity box which is kept here.

Now the thefts could have only happened because of my carelessness, leaving PIN numbers with the cards, leaving the extra key to the lock box with the box. So, the blame goes to me first. Since I do have the resources, thanks be to God, to make up the replacement funds, no harm comes to others by the thefts.

But what is the best response to the one who steals? I know in my heart who it is. I can't prove anything that would stand up in court. And the thefts would not have happened if I had been prudent.

So now I struggle and find that I begin to glimpse some tiny bit of what God goes through with us. I steal, lie, fornicate, lust, worship idols, turn from others and their needs....all of which are sins and put distance between me and God. God wants to hold me close, in love, but I have to confess my wrong doing in order to begin to believe how loved I am. There is much in my life I have confessed to God and some things still not given over. God is always patient and loving towards me, knowing all I have done and quick to forgive when I ask.

With this one, who has taken money, I am trying to act as God would want: to be patient, to forgive in my heart before it is asked for but waiting for the confession, continuing to bless and not punish. It is difficult, but Spirit is assisting. Also the lessons learned during the fasting time help too as the material things of this world are not as important as they used to be in my life.

The journey continues. Someday I will be the person God made me to be, until then may Grace and Mercy surround me and all those who are in my life, near and far.