Freedom through Forgiveness

In today’s reading, we see the powerful witness of what it means to not only forgive your enemy but to immediately love them and serve them in return.

A couple of years ago, I had a falling out with a friend. In retrospect, I reacted to a situation imprudently and was blinded in the moment. Because we shared many mutual friends, it was important to me to rectify the situation.

The opportunity to apologize presented itself; however, she did not accept my apology. If she only knew I was truly sorry and that I really had to really muster the courage to approach her (because we all know how awkward apologies can be) perhaps she would have accepted my apology.

However, my hopes of reconciling were left unrequited.

Perhaps what I experienced was the other side of the exchange between Saints Paul and Silas and their jailer from today's reading. However, the experience taught me to have ears to listen and a heart that desires readily to forgive when anyone hurts me.

Jesus did it on the Cross when He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). How can I withhold forgiveness from anyone when Jesus Himself offers me His forgiveness?

I keep this person in my prayers because she was once my friend. Our situations may not always end up with an olive branch, and it may take time to heal but there is always room to grow in mercy, love, and charity towards our neighbor. This experience with my friend taught me that forgiveness leads to a great interior freedom. I no longer was bound through my fault because I asked for forgiveness.

Although my sincere apology wasn’t received as warmly as I would have liked, it brought me peace where there was uncertainty.

Father, You teach us the way of forgiveness, to be merciful and to ask for forgiveness over and over again when we fall. Help us in our human relationships to reconcile when we have wounded one another. Give us hearts that are readily open to forgive and love each other. Amen.

Where do you want to offer or receive forgiveness today?

Father, You teach us the way of forgiveness. // Mytae Carrasco WallaceClick to tweet

listen to today’s devotion

Forgiving Father, thank You for sending Your Son to save us from our sins.