Monday, August 17, 2009

Forgiveness, God's Way

Forgiveness of sins is difficult. Forgetting them is even more so. This small but interesting story conveys a significant point:

Two monks were walking down a path when they came to a river. A lady stood there, beautifully dressed. She requested them to carry her on their back so she would not get wet. Immediately, one of the monks lifted her up and began carrying her on his back. The other monk followed them. As soon as they had crossed over to the other side, the monk carrying the lady put her down. She went her way, while the monks went theirs.

After covering some distance, the other monk, who couldn't contain his inquisitiveness and self-righteousness, asked his buddy: "In our religion, we are not allowed to touch women. So why did you carry her?" Pat replied the first monk, saying "I put down the lady a long time ago; but why are you still carrying her?"

Sometimes, we tend to carry grudges against others long after even God has forgiven them. By sinning against us, they had offended God first and us only next. And if He has forgiven them, who are we to hold it against them!

So, have you put down the lady, or are you still carrying her on your back? If you are, why bear the burden? Hand it over to Jesus. Think about it. Then forgive and forget, God's way.

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