ONE POSITIVE WAY to LIFE IMPROVEMENT
Very few people are so self-satisfied that
they see no need for improvement. Most of us are aware we fall short of
perfection on a daily basis.
I have always enjoyed reading
autobiographies. I figure who can better tell a person’s story than the person
himself? I’m currently reading Sidney Poitier’s The Measure of a Man. In just a few sentences he makes a case for life
improvement through forgiveness.
“In this life of mine I can’t recall any
situation in which forgiveness hasn’t ultimately been the settlement. However, getting to forgiveness hasn’t necessarily
been a rapid transition. Still, I level out with most such relationships at
least cleansed of the rancor, if not
intact. And I live better with the situation even if a relationship is altered
irreparably in some ways.”
His comment coincided with something
Fulton Oursler said in his little book of Modern
Parables. The Bible says “blessed are the peacemakers,” but how can peace
be made in the world? Oursler offered a couple of suggestions: 1) Don’t hold
grudges, and 2) Do more than you are required to do.
Avoid Rancor
Though decades apart in their writing, each
man referred to rancor. Oursler said,
“It is literally true that anger, jealousy, envy---all rancors burn out cells and tissues, use up adrenaline, and, in
riotous feeling, spend away our health.”
Rancor refers to something that rankles us, or keeps us upset. My dictionary says it can be a long-lasting anger or
resentment that festers and becomes inflamed. Physical first aid requires us to
deal with inflammation. Spiritual first aid requires no less.Give Yourself First Aid
When it comes to healing relationships,
forgiveness is basic first aid. Like a healing salve, it offers different
remedies. Here are three suggested treatments:
1. Give up your resentful desire to punish the one who offended
or mistreated you.
2. Choose to overlook the offense, offer them pardon, then let it go.
3. Release them from your expectations, remain open-hearted,
let bygones be bygones.
Make the First Move
I think there’s truth in Mr. Poitier’s
comment that even if he forgives, the relationship may be “irreparably altered.”
That’s why I think scripture is realistic when it says, “If it is possible, as
far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). No
matter how the other person responds, you can relax. You have done your part
toward restoration.
The Lord’s Prayer is a good spiritual litmus
test. Some people say, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” Others
say, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Say
it either way. If you feel a prick in your spirit ask God to show you the
problem.
Improve Your Life
I have yet to meet a person who has
never been offended. Life, even at its best, has rough edges that cause wounds.
Just remember, forgiveness is one positive way to life improvement.
