Forgive

The act of forgiveness should be a constant in any Christian's life.
Perhaps even practiced daily.

A very long time ago I said something I should not have said. For one thing it was spoken in reaction, in defense to a false charge. And because it was so emotionally charged, the words did not come out in the way I had intended. Misunderstanding evolved, and other people were drawn into it. A rupture in the relationship occurred. Sides were taken and each side took position in their camp.

The accusation stood.

A band-aid was put on the rupture, but it barely covered what had become a festering infection that has spread underneath anything visible. No confrontation. No clearing. No meeting of the minds, just constant underlying revenge at every turn. It has developed into: "No, I am not mad at you, I just hate you." It has infected other relationships, it has manifested into a dismissal of any attempt at reconciliation.

It's easy to forgive when someone accepts your apology. When someone asks for forgiveness. When misunderstandings can be illuminated with truth. There is agreement and a mutual love bond that sustains the rocky hills of differing perspectives.

When cliches and "old wives' tales" govern thinking and positions hold even in the face of new evidence, it is sad.

It is even sadder when it cannot be changed.