Finding a Fresh Start Through Forgiveness
With all the resolutions we make in the New Year, it most surely begins with giving ourselves a fresh start. With the sun setting in December, the New Year dawns as a 'Mr. Clean' eraser sponge, wiping away all the setbacks and misdeeds of the past year. We desire a mind free to be inspired so we can move on to new heights.
Consider this resolution for the New Year—forgiveness. When our hearts are open and free from grudges, inspiration follows—and a newness of life—freeing our minds from the encumbrances of hostility.
Thoughts of anger, bitterness, and hate are like shackles to the ankles. All aspects of life are adversely affected when rage and hate dwell in the heart.
During this New Year, we should let go of anger, distrust, malice, and struggle that impede our joy. Formulating plans for a bright and healthy future must begin deep inside. Doing so is easier than it seems on the surface. At some point, we must have hurt someone, so the first act is to recognize that to be forgiven is to forgive. Untold hardships accompany unforgiveness. "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses" (Matthew 18:35 KJV).
Heartfelt forgiveness carries the benefits of freeing the heart to pursue other interests and is available to everyone in every circumstance, including self. Consider the following message sent to Joseph by his brothers; "Thy father did command before he died, saying, So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him" (Genesis 50:16–17).
The story is told of the War of the Bucket, a conflict that lasted twenty-two years because of an old broken bucket. In 1249 a soldier serving in the army of the city of Bologna, Italy, deserted to the city of Modena, taking with him the old bucket that was used by the city at the water trough for army horses. The city of Bologna waived her rights to the fugitive but insisted upon the return of the bucket. The request was rejected, and a bloodbath was the result. It is said that the bucket is still in the possession of Modena on display in the basement of the Ghirlandina Tower.
Call to Action
There will always be occasions to retaliate for the wrong done to one, but letting it go can be freeing. Case in point: David forgave Saul's eager attempts to kill him (1 Samuel 24:10–12). Let forgiveness be a new start for yourself and others.
