September 5, 2026 - Forgiveness

My thought for today is Forgiveness. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines forgiveness as the act of releasing resentment or anger toward someone who has harmed you, along with the willingness to let go of the desire for revenge. In the Lord's Prayer, which has been around for centuries, we ask God to forgive us our tresspasses as we also forgive those who trespass against us. In a later prayer, the Prayer of Saint Francis, we are told that it is by forgiving others that we ourselves are forgiven. Almost a century ago, in the AA book Twelve Steps Twelve Traditions, it talks about self-restraint. In looking at certain situations, we need willingness to accept the blame if it is our fault, and an equal willingness to forgive if the fault is not ours. What I come here looking for, I must come here looking with. So, the act of forgiveness is not something new; it has been around for quite some time and who am I to reject ideas and practices that have been in effect for centuries.Who made you or I so righteous? I will forgive you. Will you forgive me?