Forgiving Small Slights

The people around us are only human. We are also only human! From time to time, people may say or do something hurtful, such as saying a harsh comment, forgetting to invite you to something, or any number of things. It’s ok to forgive them. In fact, it’s excellent to forgive them. Jesus said we should forgive others “70 times 7 times,” a symbolic number meaning endlessly.

For much of my life I’ve been a silent grudge-holder, remembering many slights from others and secretly replaying them in my mind. That doesn’t lead anyone to love or peace or friendship, and only left me exhausted. Now, I’m working on just letting it go. I let it go because I love myself, and I am learning that nothing anyone says or does can diminish me in God’s eyes. 

If someone says or does something that offends, forgive them. If someone accidentally hurts you today, let it go. Return to your center and to love. We are all here working out our own difficulties and walking our own paths. Remember the times you may have offended others, and how kind it felt if they forgave you. Let yourself be this beacon for another and forgive them. Restore your heart to love and see past the foibles of others.