Healthy Living

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I Dare You!
© 2009

by

Stephen A. Peterson


So can you honestly say that there is no one against whom you dislike, hold a grudge against or have ill will for? If so, then you are an extremely rare individual. Most every one of us carries some grievance within our minds and hearts after being wounded by another person at many times in our lives. And the deepest wounds are often rendered by those closest to us—a friend, family member, work or school associate.

But grievances, even those that appear to be justified, are a ball and chain locked about our ankle slowing us down, making it difficult even impossible to move about. Christ recognized this and told His followers not to forgive a few times but seventy times seven—or as many times as we have been injured.

On this day make a list of the names of anyone whom you believe has wronged or hurt you, whom you resent, or you dislike for whatever reason. Then choose the person you most dislike or did you the greatest wrong and do something that will break the ice or bridge the hostility you harbor towards that person.

Send an e-mail. Mail a letter. Make a telephone call. Or go to that person and let her or him know in your own way that the ill will you hold for them is over. Your good intention may very well be rejected and such a response will be painful. But by making a good faith gesture, you will know that you attempted to mend fences what said person. You will have peace of mind that you did what you could.

Jesus called such actions forgiveness. And throughout the last two thousand years forgiveness has been a powerful tool in changing the world for the better. For forgiveness is an anchor of Christianity itself.

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