Christian Living

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7-18-12

I often write about giving forgiveness to those who have hurt me. I do this for several reasons among them, forgiving is commanded by Jesus, letting the offense go puts the justice in God's court, and getting over it keeps me healthier.

Another benefit was brilliantly stated by Leonard Hacker, "While I'm so busy nursing and guarding all my grudges against other people, they're out there dancing."

Leonard had been through life, in some ways at its toughest. He grew up next door to Sandy Koufax, among a few other people of note. Leonard enlisted in the Army. Another claim to fame was he and his wife lived in a house formerly owned by Albert Anastasia.

Leonard learned about forgiving through early disappointments and the things of life that all of us suffer in some manner. His statement like most really good humor draws a laugh and then when you think about it, sober reflection.

While we may be setting our insides on negative fire with hatred, jealousy and bitterness, the one to whom we are projecting these psychic bullets is out on life's floor dancing away. Humor is a grand way to cope and to demonstrate that we understand the futility of grudges. Christ taught us to pray in Matthew 6:12 "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."

To forgive our debtors is commanded by Jesus.

You probably remember Leonard as Buddy, Buddy Hacket.

Copyright © 2012 Larry Lilly

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