Forgive Us Our Debts

One of the first things people consider when they receive financial windfalls - gifts, winnings, bonuses, dividends, or finds - is the opportunity to be free of debt, or at least to reduce the obligation.

We treasure the letters from loan companies informing that our debt has been Paid in Full. Sometimes we write PIF on the final payment check. There are mortgage burning parties, a celebration finalizing the end of constant payments and a sense of freedom.


The sense of freedom. The release. Available attention (and funds) to apply to other interest in our life. Ahh...

The same experience awaits my emotional life. When I feel that others owe me, I am carrying the debt. When I feel I owe another, I am carrying debt. The phrase in the Lord's Prayer in which I ask to be forgiven applies the condition that I forgive others. 

"Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors."

And not only that I forgive, but that I be forgiven in the manner which I forgive. I pray that I forgive freely and easily; however, knowing me, it might take a minute (or so) for me to both recognize that I am still holding on and to acknowledge how grasping my hurt is interfering in my life.

My mind is filled with platitudes and analogies about letting go and moving on, but they are useless until I can apply them to a specific situation in which I am struggling. As I stay in a prayerful mind, my "issues" are revealed and I can choose to face and address them.

We are for each other mirrors of joy and distress. When we listen with complete attention we become acutely aware of areas in each others lives where when love is applied, forgiveness follows.

Forgiveness clears the air preparing for newness in relationship with each other. Forgiveness allow us to move on without regrets or baggage, as we release the past. Forgiveness is the gift we give ourselves, the way we claim our freedom.

May your life be happy, joyous and free.