forgiven? (reprise)

There's so much in the news these days about bullying.  The results are all too often tragic.  This was originally posted several years ago...thought I'd share it again...

Earlier this week, I heard that a guy I went to school with had died. I hadn’t thought about him in years and years, and probably haven’t seen him since high school graduation (31 years ago). My initial reaction was “I’m sorry he died, but...” ‘But?’

‘But.’ was followed by “particularly in the middle school years, he made my life utterly miserable.” That guy picked on me relentlessly, saying things he knew would cause the most pain. He never gave up. It was embarrassing. It was hurtful. It was cruel. It was excruciating. It was hateful. It was brutal. It was downright horrific. All these years later, the memories are still there.

I don’t know if I ever forgave him. True, all this time, I haven’t thought about him. But, have I ever forgiven him? I’d hidden these memories far, far away, yet now I remember them quite well. But, have I ever forgiven him? I’m an adult now, and things like that don’t bother me. But, have I ever forgiven him?

The Bible is very clear about forgiveness. I have a lot of prayer and soul searching to do...

bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Luke 6:28

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Matthew 5:44

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Mark 11:25-26