Hand in hand

Dear Father,

I love You.

Thank you for loving me first. You show me Your love – constantly, every day, and yet sometimes I find it hard to show love to others.

I expect more from them than they can give.

I know You are near, and delight to help, so if You could just remind me to be patient, loving, and forgiving....

Speaking of forgiving, I am having a bit of trouble with forgiveness at the moment. Well, frequently.

Honestly, I think forgiveness is one of the hardest things about the Christian life. Help me to have a heart which is ready to forgive. And love. Like Yours.

Please, remind me (often) of the prayer of Jesus Himself when He taught His disciples how to pray … “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us….” Forgiveness is not an option, it seems.

You never said it would be easy. It isn’t easy. The rude bus driver the other day…. The dogs who attacked me yesterday, knocking me to the ground, trying to get at and kill my dog …. The cruel words of false accusation or unjust criticism…. Those who don’t appreciate me …. 

Hmm. I hear myself sounding … very self-centred.

Forgive me please, Father and help me to forgive others. Help me to just come to You for comfort and peace. No desire for pay-back, and no self-righteousness on my part. Just a loving heart and a forgiving spirit.

I look to Jesus. Even on the cross, He asked You to forgive His murderers … “They don’t know what they are doing!” They didn’t care what they were doing!

He showed the greatest forgiveness in the most extreme of situations.

So please help me to be like Him. Day by day. Hour by hour. Minute by minute.

Please just be at my side constantly. I can’t do it without You. I am weak, but You are able.

And, before I go, thank You for all Your good gifts. Astounding beauty of nature. Your Word and its teaching. Loving friends and family. Health and protection. Yes, Your protection yesterday! I’ll write about these in my next letter.

Thank you most of all for Your love. And Your forgiveness. How costly it was and is!

Yes, love and forgiveness go hand in hand, don't they?

My little one tells me “I love you so … so … so MUCH!”

That’s how I feel about You too.

(signed ....)