When Forgiveness Is Not Enough
When one has wronged a friend, a precious friend, a cherished friend; When he, himself, through his sightlessness and selfishness has wrought
grief and sorrow; When amidst a time that the one held dear was in need of care and
consolation; When the purest of love had ought be displayed, and the kindness of heart
be made known; Yet wisdom was lacking, discernment made void; fruitless and barren, hollow
and empty. Appears then the hour that he comes to himself; when in brokenness
of spirit he mourns; With heart in hand, an attempt is employed to say, ‘I’m
Sorry,’ yet words seem never enough. ‘I forgive you; it’s all right,’ is the reply. But it’s not all right, is it?
Though one be forgiven, there awaits for him an even greater obstacle; It is that of Self-Forgiveness. When one is Truly sorry; though forgiven by another, yet the aching of
heart remains. One busies himself with the cares of this life, yet suddenly
the sorrow is there; it is as a fresh, open wound; “O God, will it never heal?”
There is a time, then, when Forgiveness Is Not Enough! Is there no suture
that can bond that open wound; Is there no balm that may heal? Wisdom may be found in those words of the Holy Spirit, who employed
the penmanship of David: Cried the Psalmist, “Have mercy. . . blot out my
transgressions. . .wash me. . .cleanse me. . . purge me. . . create in me a
new heart; renew a right spirit within me. . . . deliver me. Yet, though he
“acknowledged his transgression,” these sobering tones echoed from his
voice: “My Sin Is Ever Before Me!” Oh, David! Have you found a Balm of Healing? If it be so then tell me,
quickly! “Cast me not away from thy presence; take not thy Holy Spirit from
me. Restore unto me the Joy. . .” Let us then understand; if Joy would be restored; though perchance
there remain a scar; let there be the knitting together of hearts: Allow not
the separation of Presence to continue; rather allow Love to apply itself as a
Healing Balm. Forgiveness Is Not Enough! Time Does Not Heal! There must needs
follow the desire of heart for a careful and loving, mending of that which was
broken. Peace is to be found on the doorstep of Reconciliation.
