I am a sinner. I speak not of the inherited sin that we all share, but of the specific offenses I have committed toward my fellow man, my Earth and all its creatures, and my Most High creator. I have wronged and I would seek to be held accountable that I may repent and I be forgiven. Likewise have I been wronged, and will endeavour to hold those who have wronged me accountable that they may repent and I forgive them.
I am overwhelmed and grateful that I have the example of Jesus the Christ to humble me. For he was a perfect being whom committed no wrongs, yet freely allowed himself be persecuted and endure human suffering to save mankind.
I have been inspired to write this by a conversation with a friend. He has wronged me, yet as much as I implore him to come to a resolution with me that I may forgive him, he refuses to do so. I am upset that he would refuse to reflect upon wronging me, and saddened that he not enjoy moral responsibility. I have begged that he tell me how I have wronged him, that I may myself make amends. I implore upon him to look at the example of Christ Jesus, whom being guilty of nothing endured persecution and forgave still. I invite him to appreciate the value of humility. I can forgive him, yet I am not certain that he will repent if he does not accept that he has wronged me.
'I am not responsible for your happiness'
But you are. For we are all responsible in sharing this Earthly plane God has granted us live on. We must love our neighbour as we do ourselves. We must welcome being held accountable for our moral failings yet never tolerate cruelty being done to our person, for as much as we suffer the cruelty others do unto us, others suffer tenfold the cruelty they themselves commit. Likewise must we treat ourselves with the kindness we would treat others, and follow Christ's example of forgiveness.
Our forgiving others and our being forgiven are not permits to act with impunity. Whilst wrongdoing must be forgiven, likewise should they be penalised. Penalties, whilst causing us some temporary discomfort, arrive as blessings for they hold us accountable, and it is through this accountability that we may repent.
It is essential to our wellbeing that we not only love our neighbour as we would ourselves, but to love ourselves as we would our neighbour. You owe it to yourself and the God to whom you owe your life to endeavour to be as good to yourself as you would be others.
Forgive me if I sound prideful, and feel free to disagree with me.
God bless you. Amen.