A creek flows through the woods. A group of kids discover it and decide to build a dam, just to see what will happen. The creek flows over, around, and through their collection of sticks, bringing other debris with it to make the dam bigger and bigger. Eventually the water stops flowing. A pool forms above the dam, and the ground downstream becomes a muddy mire. One of two things is going to happen: either the force of the gathering water will break the makeshift dam, or it will hold and eventually everything below it will die.
Conflicts are inevitable, but a dead relationship doesn鈥檛 have to be. Like the kids removing their dam to allow the water to flow, we can offer forgiveness to the people in our lives, and ask them to forgive us, as well.
If you are a follower of Christ, you have been forgiven. God has wiped away all of your sin. But as long as we live on this earth, we will make mistakes, hurt people unintentionally, and, sometimes, be in conflict. Forgiveness will allow the love of God to flow in us and through us in a world that desperately needs it.
Is there anyone you need to forgive today? Or is there someone you need to ask forgiveness from?
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your forgiveness through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for my sins. Help me to forgive the people who have hurt me. Help me to humbly ask for forgiveness. Help me to rebuild broken relationships so that your love will be seen by the people around me. Amen.