Reproclaiming the Everlasting Gospel
The Lord's Prayer. Is It Ours? Part IV
Forgive Us Our Trespasses As We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us
Where is the line, beyond which one may not go? Where you say, "Now really! This is unforgivable." What do you hold most dear? It is against our treasure that we will not endure trespass. How then can we pray to be forgiven in the same manner we forgive those who trespass against us, who deprive us of our most treasured possession? That possession may be money, land, family, heirlooms, social status, or worldly position. "Forgive me as I forgive those who take my treasure," becomes an impossibility.
One might suggest that I should have no treasure. That is a great idea, except it never works. My treasure becomes my pride in how humble I am.
Jesus told his hearers to lay up treasure in heaven where no thief, no rust, or no economic devaluation can touch it. We "lay up" that treasure by hearing our prophet like Moses who reveals to us the Father's will and who gives us the power to follow. Our treasure gives us our sense of security and it is only on a foundation absolutely secure that we can forgive as our Heavenly Father forgives.
Ellis Hein
Views: 192
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Comment by Del Gwynfyd Harris on 5thMo. 27, 2018 at 20:40
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We have a Friend here in Wales who has written profoundly of her experience of the journey of forgiveness towards the two people who murdered her sister (among a number of other women).
Her book is very interesting and painful to read. I must be honest and say that I did not actually want her to forgive them.
http://theforgivenessproject.com/stories/marian-partington-england/
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Thank you for that Del. It is not clear whether the Friend is a Christian and is using Christ's power to forgive as it mentions Buddhism.
I noticed that she said that she gained more understanding of the Wests when she was in a rage. They murdered however, in cold blood, well as far as can be asertained, and this distinction is recognised by law. I lost my sister and it was an open verdict, but it was most likely 'warm blooded' murder so l have some inclining about what this poor woman has gone through.
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I am very sorry to hear about your sister. I will hold you in the light. I tend to agree with you that there is little equivalence between feeling in a rage and NOT acting on it, and someone who is set in a way of life where they routinely disregard other's pain and suffering. However, I think she reflected on whether, given Rose West's abusive upbringing (and continued abuse as an adult), she might have taken the same course. Although of course Jesus did say anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, so there wasn't much idea of a spectrum of wickedness there...
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Hello Del and thank you for your kind thoughts regarding my sister. There are people who more than ignore the sufferings of others, actually enjoy them. They are obviously at the extreme end.
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