Happy Days was one of my favorite shows as a child, running for a decade on ABC. Like any boy, Ron Howard as Richie Cunningham and Henry Winkler, the Fonz, were my two favorite characters. This show about the life of teenagers at their favorite hangout, Arnolds, captivated my attention. However, one of the things I remember the most is Fonzie’s inability to say sorry or admit he was wrong as depicted in the attached you tube.
And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses,” Mark 11:25.
Not much has changed in the past 25 years since this show went off the air. Following in the footsteps of Adam and Eve, people prefer to play the blame game rather than take responsibility for wrong actions. Meanwhile, justification, rationalization or playing the victim card has become normal behavior. While everyone demands justice when you have been wronged, “forgiveness is a lovely idea until you have to forgive someone else.” This quote by C.S. Lewis applies today, especially in the context of relationships.
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive, Colossians 3:13.
The apostle Paul calls individuals to bear with one another. This urging involves patience, a quality that few adults possess. Thus, forgiveness can get messy, full of emotion, frustration and tears. Yet, if you want forgiveness to flow back to you, God demands that you forgive others as Jesus forgave you. Therefore, despite how unpleasant it may be for you to care for, forgive and love, the act of forgiveness is essential toward securing your eternal destiny, Matthew 6:14-15. May this blog inspire you to emulate Christ as you strive to forgive and forget.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 