Today’s Verse—Romans 12:18
If possible, live in peace with everyone.
Do that as much as you can.
A child wrote this apology for misbehaving:
I’m sorry for the spilled milk,
I’m sorry for the bread,
I’m sorry that I threw it
At Tommy Tucker’s head.
I’m sorry for my actions
And shouting this at you;
It’s woken up the baby
Before the morning dew.
I’m sorry to have woke you,
I’m sorry that I fought;
But mostly I am sorry
Because I have been caught.
Is the child in this poem truly sorry? No, he isn’t. He’s misbehaving even as he’s apologizing. That isn’t how a true apology works.
In the Odyssey episode “The Homecoming” (album 10), Richard Maxwell wanted to tell five people in Odyssey that he was sorry for his wrong actions. And, unlike the child in the poem, Richard meant it. Richard chose to apologize and ask for forgiveness. Four characters agreed to forgive him. But the final person, Tom Riley, refused.
Loquacious Learning with Eugene
Considering our legal theme, I believe that it would be helpful to point out that the path to forgiveness requires the first party, hereafter known as the wrongdoer, to present himself (or herself, if the case may be) before a second party, hereafter known as the offended. The wrongdoer admits he or she is wrong and asks for forgiveness. It’s a risky venture, but once the wrongdoer has asked for forgiveness, he or she is freed from the chains of bitterness, regardless of the offended person’s decision. Case closed.
Tom wasn’t doing what God wanted him to do. And he knew it. Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can.” To live in peace with people, we have to forgive them. Forgiveness is a gift that God has given us and wants us to use with each other, even when it hurts or we don’t feel like forgiving. Tom knew this.
But to say he forgave Richard would have been a lie. Instead of lying, Tom and Whit started to pray together so Tom would eventually be able to forgive Richard.
Daily Challenge
Think of someone you’ve hurt in some way. Go to that person, say you’re sorry, and ask for forgiveness. These steps will help you as much as or more than they help the person you hurt.
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Forgiveness Theme Memory Verse—Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive each other, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done.