Devotionals

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Forgiving Trespasses
© 2007

by

Stephen A. Peterson


In Oklahoma, among members of the Seminole Nation of Indians there is a story that tells of a young man who ingeniously devised a means of trapping raccoons. He would put out a small jar or bottle containing fruit, nuts or berries. The bottle or jar had a long, narrow neck so when a raccoon put its paw in then grabbed the food, he would not be able to get his closed paw back out. Dumb raccoon! All it needed to do would be to let go of the food items and it would be free to get away!

For those who might consider what this would look like, they would perhaps think the raccoon as just not being too smart. But who are we to be critical of the raccoon? When we get a handful of our pride, sinful indiscretions or whenever someone has sinned against us do many of us continue to hold onto their bitter thoughts by reliving the past or refusing to forgive those who wronged them? And in some instances, a person will not forgive themselves citing the seriousness of the sin they committed. In other words: “How can God forgiven me for what I have done? I don’t believe He can.” So they play God.

Isn’t it about time to let go? Why not free your heart and mind by forgiving those who did us wrong by first reconciling ourselves with our brothers and sisters, then going to Christ to ask His forgiveness for holding on to an indiscretion for so long. In doing so, we gain our freedom to become one with our Heavenly Father whom we have certainly sinned against.

So whenever you feel trapped by unjustified anger or hatred for one of God’s children, why not take inventory to determine if you are holding onto thoughts of other’s trespasses. Then let them go in the Name of Jesus Christ. You will then know a new kind of freedom. It is the open-handed freedom that Jesus Christ taught humankind and the breath of fresh air that follows your new realized freedom.

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