By Rev. Glenn Jones

Perspective. We’re always in danger of losing perspective when we become too focused upon ourselves and our own little worlds/kingdoms, imagining that things that concern ourselves have much greater import than they actually have in the broader scheme of things.

We all fall into this at times because of our innate propensity toward self-interest and self-absorption. It can be an interesting personal examination to be aware of the number of times we say “I” or “me” in conversation with others, or how many times a friend/acquaintance might jovially (or perhaps not so jovially) quip: “Yes, it IS all about you!”

We see this loss of perspective not infrequently, as when someone might not get their own way and then stomps off “taking his marbles and going home” in a fit of pique. One of the most common failures in perspective is in anger, especially grudges—that refusal to forgive, even for slight faults or transgressions … no latitude permitted for what might simply be misunderstanding, mishearing, mistake or misinterpretation … resulting often in ill-will and even the wish for misfortune to come upon he who purportedly dared to offend our precious ego.

How quickly even we Christians forget the source of the second great commandment: “You shall not take vengeance or bear any grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18) … and, for the Christian, the entire world is “your own people”. Should we not, then, heed St. Paul: “Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all … Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  (Romans 12:17-18, 21)

Wishing misfortune upon, or planning evil against, a person is, of course, evil in itself (“… you should not have gloated over the day of your brother in the day of his misfortune…” (Obadiah 1:12) and “See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15)) Even should an offense be given with real malice, is it not much better to pray for them as Jesus taught us: “I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:27-28) Yes, the world tells us to hate … to get back … to get revenge. But Christians are called to (even obliged to) rise above to the way of forgiveness and charity. See Matthew 6 and 18 for details.

I remember an incident in Santa Fe one day which struck me. A traffic light changed to red, and one car lightly rear-ended another. The rear-ended woman walked to the rear of her SUV, checked that hatch and saw no evident damage, while the young woman driver of the other vehicle came forward, apologizing profusely. I couldn’t hear the actual exchange, but saw that the first lady was dismissing the accident, and embraced the younger woman to comfort her.  And that was that. No abusive language, no accusations, no anger. Just plain ol’ Ivory-pure forgiveness. How much better our world could be if we could do that rather than lash out or burn internally with unresolved anger.  

But … oh, how we like to get angry and self-righteous, though it doesn’t do us—or anyone else—any good. We so easily forget (or, worse … disregard) the prayer we recite daily: “…forgive us our trespasses AS WE FORGIVE those who trespass against us”… and Jesus warns immediately after the Lord’s Prayer: “…if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15) Yikes! So how can holding a grudge and refusing to forgive possibly help anyone in any way whatsoever? It’s just a continual bathing in one’s own spiteful venom. This is where we Christians are called to shine as lights in the darkness … not perpetuating hatred, but seeking peace and love of neighbor … and that beautiful forgiveness in emulation of Our Lord upon the cross (“Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.”  (Luke 23:34)) 

So much hatred in the world … even over trivial things!—a hurtful comment here, an imagined slight there. O Christian … rise above hatred and forgive! … in imitation of the Crucified One—our Savior, our example and Our Lord. This is the perspective … the vision … that anchors the Christian’s life regardless of what is often a burning desert of enmity through which we journey. 

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)