Grasping a HOT coal

“Strained and broken relationships are as old as humankind itself. Ancient Cain was the first who allowed the cancer of bitterness and malice to canker his heart. He tilled the ground of his soul with envy and hatred and allowed these feelings to ripen until he did the unthinkable—murdering his own brother … Since those first days the spirit of envy and hatred has led to some of the most tragic stories in history….I imagine that every person on earth has been affected in some way by the destructive spirit of contention, resentment, and revenge. Perhaps there are even times when we recognize this spirit in ourselves. When we feel hurt, angry, or envious, it is quite easy to judge other people, often assigning dark motives to their actions in order to justify our own feelings of resentment.” Pres. Dieter Uchtdorf

Prince Gautama Siddharta said “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” It is DECEPTION to think that holding on to these negativities will somehow hold another MORE accountable.  We don’t need to hold on to this darkness as PROOF of our pain. In the end WE are the ones who will suffer the most. Mercy, and forgiveness will fill our lives with light, joy, and peace. The canker of our hurt is ready to heal, let it.

 

“…Sometimes, of all the people in the world, the one who is the hardest to forgive—as well as perhaps the one who is most in need of our forgiveness—is the person looking back at us in the mirror. Forgiving ourselves and others is not easy. In fact, for most of us it requires a major change in our attitude and way of thinking—even a change of heart…” Pres. Dieter Uchtdorf

Regret for mistakes we have made is a sting that seems unquenchable. Forgiving ourselves can be one of the most difficult things we can accomplish. I know I hold myself to a higher standard that I do others. I expect a lot of yours truly, and have a hard time showing myself “mercy”. But when I can overcome this, truly love and forgive myself, I am filled with JOY! A joy that is pure, and LIFE giving!