Ramon Narvaez, the 19th century Spanish politician and military figure, was known for his violence and cruelty. When he was dying in 1868 a priest came to his bedside in Madrid to administer Last Rites. “Has his Excellency forgiven all of his enemies?”, the priest asked Narvaez raised himself up on one elbow and replied, “Enemies? I have no enemies. I have had them all shot.” Revenge. Retribution. Retaliation. Getting even. Sounds like a playbook right out of what is happening so much these days in our increasingly polarized country where tribalism is on the rise and “us vs. them” seems the order of the day.
Abraham Lincholn was criticized for his willingness to quickly put the Civil War behind the nation. But said: “What better way to destroy your enemy than to make him your friend.” Forgiveness at best is not a feeling, it is an action. Where do we begin? I always believed the place to start is prayer. If there is someone who feels like the “enemy” in your personal life or work life or family life or even political life, then pray that you might see that person the way God sees him/her. I can almost guarantee that it will be nearly impossible to pray for a person very long before you start seeing that person in a different light. Be the one who initiates reconciliation. Build bridges instead of walls.
In our world today I pray that we will lift high the banner of seeing in every person we meet someone who God loved so much He was willing to give up His Son for. The least we can do is respect and restore and reclaim the high road. So who do you need to forgive today?
Brave Journey,
Bill
(thanks to Don Davidson for illustration)
