Psalms 103:4 “Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.”

Psalms 89:28 “My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.”

Psalms 103:8 “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.”

I thought we would stay on this message again today, having received much good feedback including a few people who stated that by holding onto the wish for an apology only created anger and inner turmoil. This is a great point. Forgiving as we know releases both the injurer and the “injuree”, so to speak. What then could open kindness do except offer more unexpected relief for both. Forgiveness has its own complexities–not easily rendered especially if hurt is over time or acute at the moment. Forgiveness is easy and full one day and then you don’t know where it goes the next and all the old emotions of bitterness and how could they have done that flood back again. Because we are simply human.

Dearest Lord, thank you for the badge of grace and mercy that we can wear like skin and for that we are grateful. Where we harbor pain, let us release it into your flowing stare of love like a river’s bend. Endless. Love to all.

Dianne Timmering,
Vice President of Spirituality