21 Days of PeaceSample

CONSIDER

Forgiveness is an important part of making peace. But sometimes we get stuck when forgiveness feels like losing—losing the upper hand, the power to punish, the right to contempt. But without forgiveness, we keep spinning around and around in the same circles of contempt and resentment. Forgiveness is, after all, the moment when someone who has been wronged agrees to let the future and hope carry more weight than the past and hurt. It is not pretending that the past hasn’t happened or that wrong or hurt has not occurred, but acknowledging it in full, and then working toward reconciliation. These moments are so crucial for peace because they make space for something new to grow, for a new reality to exist and for a new kind of relationship to find life.  

Is there anyone you need to forgive?  

Is there anyone you need to ask to forgive you?  

Will you let the hope for peace motivate you more than the desire for revenge? 

Thank the Holy Spirit for the peace that has been made available to you today.