I recently went to a social gathering at the home of a friend. Shortly after I arrived, I found out that people I had hurt very badly a few years ago were there also. I had said some things in a forum I thought was private, but which later I found they were privy to. I compounded the wound when I responded to them in a defensive, hurtful manner.
I repented and asked God’s forgiveness, which He granted. I also admitted my failure – my sin – to them, repented, and asked them to forgive me. It was evident, however, that forgiveness is not a choice they have yet made.
I wish I was perfect. I wish I have never done anything to hurt others. But I’m not perfect, and I have created wounds and hurts in others by my rashness, my arrogance, my propensity to speak before thinking. While God readily forgives when we express sincere repentance, wounds in others can last a long, long time.
I left the social gathering after staying only a few minutes. I didn’t not want to create a tense environment for the hostess in what was a happy celebration. On the way home, I prayed. I prayed for me and I prayed for them. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commanded, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” [Matt 5:23-24]
When we sin and wound others, we must repent and ask for forgiveness from both God and those we hurt. We must attempt to be reconciled with our brothers and sisters. But I am aware that it is not always possible to be reconciled. We can ask, but forgiveness is not always granted. All we can do then is pray – pray that we might never wound another with our words, attitudes or deeds.
