Forgive Anyway — Your Weekly Reflection from CMMB
In today’s reading, we learn the importance of forgiveness through the parable of the unforgiving servant.
The story introduces us to a poor servant who’s in debt to his king. The servant pleads: “Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.” Moved by his words, the king acts with mercy and forgives his debt. Later, the servant finds himself in a similar situation. Only this time, he is in the position to show mercy. Presented with the choice to forgive the small debt of a fellow servant or have him sent to prison, he chooses the latter. Learning about his unwillingness to forgive, the king punishes him.
We can liken the actions of the king in this parable to the actions of God. As members of the church we are expected to forgive others as God forgives us—in a way that can’t be quantified. If we don’t, we risk losing God’s mercy in our own lives.
The lesson in today’s reading is simple, but executing it in our daily lives is not. There will be times when we find it difficult to forgive, but we do it anyway. There will be times others refuse to forgive, but we do it anyway.
Mother Teresa with mothers and children in India
We will end this week’s reflection with a prayer from one of our humanitarian heroes, Mother Teresa. Based on the “paradoxical commandments” by Kent Keith, it was found written on the wall of her home for children in Calcutta. It reminds us that no matter the circumstance, we should always strive to “do it anyway.”
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
In grace and peace,
CMMB