Encouragement

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Forgiving Yourself…Is It Possible?
© 2008

by

Stephen A. Peterson


Sergeant Helen Meeks was wrong…and she knew it. It had occurred in an emotionally charge moment and now she regretted having said what she had said to one of her best friends.

“Amanda,” Sergeant Meeks said, “I’m so sorry I flew off the handle when the C.O. was inventorying my supply area. I was wrong and I knew then and I know it now. Can you forgive me?”

“Alright,” Sergeant Amanda Hull said. “Forget it. I’m good. I understand.”

But Sergeant Meeks just couldn’t forget it. She could not believe Sergeant Hull had forgotten it either. So when Sergeant Hull went to the Battalion Dining facility to eat that evening Sergeant Meeks once again apologized. Just before the two turned in for the day, Sergeant Meeks apologized to Sergeant Hull again.

That is when Sergeant Hull pulled her aside. “You don’t have to keep apologizing, Helen. Really, I’ve forgiven you. I understand the position you’re in. I also know that the C. O. can be one very tough cookie when it comes to inventories. But I really don’t think you’re forgiven yourself.”

When Sergeant Meeks went back to her office, she thought about what Sergeant Hull had said. “I guess I hadn’t! It all seemed too easy getting rid of a wrong so quickly and so painlessly. So I made myself feel guilty when Amanda didn’t seem upset and angry. And to satisfy myself I just kept on apologizing. But it didn’t work. I was still paying when Amanda put an end to my charade and made me really look at the true meaning of forgiveness.”

A few years have gone by since the day of her confrontation with Sergeant Hull. However, every so often Sergeant Meeks still has to convince herself that she is worthy of forgiveness even though it is written in the Bible that God has promised humankind forgiveness whenever he is sought: “Man, your sins are forgiven you” (Luke 5:20).

And despite what anyone believes, it is true! It is real! It is also that simple if one humbles themselves and ask for forgiveness of the Lord!

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