When we exercise the act of reparation and forgiveness, we are committing ourselves to the profound values of the Grace of the Lord.
Forgiveness is an instance of authentic overcoming in the Glory of God. This change of attitude, in the face of deteriorated or broken relationships, is fundamental to get closer and know our Heavenly Father better.
"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15
The modern world with which we have to deal every day is becoming more and more hostile, shaping a narcissistic, individualistic, and intolerable society. These sensations influence, without our noticing it, our character. We can become absorbed or wrapped up in superficial plots that lead us away from the purposes that the Lord has entrusted to us from His Absolute Love.
This social alienation only takes away from us the Peace of Spirit we need to face all the challenges we face and plunges us into a state of dissatisfaction and permanent anger that inevitably leads to confrontation with others.
However, it is never too late to recognize our mistakes and those that have been committed against us. We must not allow, under any circumstances, the lack of forgiveness to fill our lives with sadness, bitterness, and lack of joy in God.
“Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved!” Psalms 80:3
It is important to understand in this context that life is a balance between good and bad moments. We will experience instances of joy and happiness, but we will also find ourselves enduring unjust actions towards us, we will feel disappointed, hurt, disillusioned.
Just as we are grateful for the daily Blessings that the Lord gives us, we must also, in times of turmoil, draw close to His Grace and ask from our hearts to restore our inner self.
Let us not let doubts take hold of us nor let us be afraid. Let us be determined and committed to seek our Heavenly Father. God is the shepherd of our spirits, no one better than Him to take care of us and show us the way.
“You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19
The act of making amends demands from us a high degree of courage and bravery. When we forgive, we are deciding to excuse any offense received while dismissing any feelings of revenge. We must put aside grudges and pride, always remembering the teachings of our father Protector and eradicate the feeling of repaying evil with evil, wishing Good to those who affected us, and praying for their welfare.
The Word of God calls us to Permanent Reconciliation. Let us keep in mind two fundamental aspects that we cannot lose sight of.
One is the conviction that in the act of making reparation, we assume the protection with which the Lord blesses us so that between Him and us there are no barriers.
The second, and probably the most important, is to recognize that we, too, need to be forgiven.
“I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners.” Isaiah 57:18
When our heart is freed from negative feelings that prevent us from reaching Christ, we release within us the capacity to repair, and the Peace with which the Lord blesses us is restored.
First and foremost we must understand that the Eternal is our Guide at all times. To recognize Him at the helm of our lives is to recognize His Perfect Wisdom to evolve in the purposes He has designated for each one of us.