Repentance and Forgiveness

I mentioned in an earlier post that we are reading a small advent reflection each night for Advent. Each week has a theme as well. Week 2 of Advent is all about repentance. The readings are all geared for children, but the one we read last night really spoke to me, so I wanted to share it.
　
　
Repentance and forgiveness go hand-in-hand. We say we’re sorry, and we are forgiven. It sounds so easy, but often it’s not. What if the other person doesn’t really forgive us and holds a grudge? What if we are so hurt we have a hard time forgiving? What if we don’t really think we should have to apologize?


Christmas is getting closer. Have we made our peace with those around us? Are we acting in a way that wouldn’t embarrass us if God were to show up in person? Do we treat the people in our lives like the gifts they are?


We can see God in the people around us, from our parents to our siblings to our friends. The most difficult and annoying people are still children of God, and we are to treat them as Jesus would. That means that even if we’ve been hurt by them, we need to forgive them.


We can’t be forgiven if we don’t ask. We have to say we’re sorry--we have to repent. It can seem like a lot of work, but God will help us. We just have to pray for His help.


I think the part that stood out to me the most was the part about loving annoying people. Sometimes the people we love the most can also be the most annoying people to us. Looking at those annoying people as children of God sure makes me take a step back and re-evaluate the situation.


The reason that this week of advent is focused on repentance is because it is something we all need all the time. Take some time this week to go to confession. Remember that we must prepare our souls for the birth of Jesus Christ. If I were to meet God face-to-face today, I would want to make sure that I had asked forgiveness for all the sins I’ve committed. Remember that forgiveness needs to be granted as well as received. Is there someone who you haven’t yet forgiven? Let it go!


Don’t forget to count your blessings--especially the little ones!! J