Forgiveness

Had church today! And gosh, the whole time I was looking at my watch, mentally converting to Sg time, and imagining what my buddies there must be doing. =) Have to say tho, it's not unpleasant to come back. What with all the big, hearty greetings and welcome-backs from the americans, all their huge hugs and stuff... hahaha. Today was kinda empty cuz a lot of people are away on summer vacation, but goodness! There are so many kiddies now! :D So funny, they all are. And there's this 3 month old little guy who has the most wide-eyed, inquisitive expression, and with that very cute "V" upper lip that most babies have... and a moehawk. What a 'do for a kid. It's cute and funny like wad sia! XD

We had holy communion today, and dad (leading the communion) gave us smth interesting to think abt. He said that the Last Supper took place before what would be the:

• Greatest injustice
• Greatest torture
• Greatest insult
• and Greatest betrayal

Of all time. And while we may think that forgiveness is something that is meant to come after a wrong has been committed... another way to look at the Last Supper is that Jesus knew what was going to befall him, and what Judas and everyone was going to do. And the thing is... he purposely instituted this practice of forgiveness prior to the deed that would require forgiving. So, the two main things I learnt from that is- one, if Jesus could forgive the greatest betrayal, pain, insult, and injustice ever done, then surely we can learn to forgive all the smaller trespasses that people (intentionally or not) commit against us. Two, when you're anticipating a tough situation, then pray and ask God to fill you/increase your capacity for forgiveness so that you'll go into the fray well prepared.

And yeah, I have a couple of friends who are in a spat right now. I'm not sure exactly what's going on, but I think forgiveness always has a place.

You guys, you might be seriously pissed at each other, but please, stop. It's hurting me to see you like that. Trust me, I'm no stranger to these kinds of things. But that just all the more means that I really want you to stop cuz I know how bad it can get. Anger outpoured hurts the other person. But the resentment eats at you inside. Friendships are damaged- and I believe that out of all things.. good, strong friendships are one of the top things that God wants us to have. Especially with our fellow believers. Love your neighbor as yourself. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another (John 13:35). And so on.

Certainly, someone may be to blame for the start of all this. But whether you were wronged or in the wrong, well... let it go. If you're at fault, be honest with yourself and accept it, and make up for it. Humble yourself. If you were on the receiving end of the wrong... you're probably hurting yourself more by holding on to the resentment. It's subtle. And the anger blinds you to it. But that's what the devil wants: for us to be broken up because we can't forgive and help each other back up. Please, buddies, I wouldn't go through the trouble of writing all this if I didn't really care for you, and your friendship with each other.

If starting on forgiveness feels too hard, then just try this prayer: "God help me forgive." It might be really hard to say cuz you don't wanna let go of the hurt. Just rush the words out if you have to. But hey, good relationships are what God wants for all of us, so if you can even take that first step, He'll surely honor you. Let Him heal. He's good at that, you know.

Love you guys a ton.