Forgiveness

I was in a Christian bookstore recently and noticed that there were a lot of books about forgiveness.  A lot.  Like, a stunning number.  To prove my point I just went to Christianbook.com and searched the keyword "forgiveness."  On my desktop it came up with a staggering 2,264 results, while on my mobile device it came up with but 2,113 results.  (A screenshot for your benefit.  Also, why did I get two different numbers for the mobile/desktop searches?  I don't understand anything.)

Then I searched for other things on CBD like joy and peace and came up with multiple thousands, but words like kindness only got 600+ hits, and it seems like if more books were on kindness, less books would have to be about forgiveness, you feel me?

(Now, I'm not saying that this is indicative of the human problem, this whole rash of books on forgiveness.  Because you know what else you can find by the thousand at Christian bookstores?  Books about Amish people.  And I don't think that really means anything except that old ladies are the biggest consumer of fiction.)

But I didn't buy any of those billions of books on forgiveness.  Why?  (Well, I'm poor, probably.)  Because the most beautiful thing I've read recently about forgiveness is contained in this blog post, which was written by a remarkable young lady I know who faced so much and yet forgave anyhow.  I don't need those billions of books (okay, 2,113 books) to tell me the ins and outs of forgiveness.  I see it in this young lady, every time I see her, because grace truly characterizes her.  Because I see the fruits of the spirit in her and it's an example to me.  Because she is an example to all believers, and I'm so thankful to have the chance to see that in her.

If you get a minute, check out her story.  It's worth the read.

Out of mind

We all pretend we've put things behind us. But true forgiveness isn't all about really getting those things behind us, I don't think, but rather specifically acknowledging that the issue is done and truly forgiven. You can't just nod and smile and expect it to mean "We're good," but in order to really wash that slate, the more helpful thing to do is talk to the person and say, "Thanks for coming clean to me about stealing my rotary phone. I had a tough time when I realized it was you, but I realized that it was just an object, plus, we use cell phones now, so I just wanted to let you know I'm sorry I froze you out these last few days, and I absolutely forgive you."

I know, I know, it's more awkward to actually say the words, but in the long run, isn't it worth it? I know, for my part at least, that I always feel much better when I've actually talked through the issues with someone. Maybe I've wronged them--well, I'd rather talk to them instead of just secretly hoping they'll forgive and forget. It's tough to go through life just sort of assuming that EllenMae has forgiven me for that time I ruined her bridesmaid dress, but always secretly wondering why she shys away from we when I'm holding kool-aid. It's better to talk to her, to hear the forgiveness. At least, in my opinion.

I don't know, maybe you guys would rather avoid the awkward talk and move on. I certainly prefer not to have the awkward talk, but the relief of knowing that it's over is better, in my opinion.

Just something I was thinking about in my "spare time."