Just like the
scripture that says …YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR
NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF…Mark 12:31, we need to “forgive” others as we forgive
ourselves. What?! Forgive ourselves?! Yes…how can we forgive others if we don’t
forgive ourselves? Forgiveness is an action within our hearts, not our minds,
that allows us to let go of emotional or physical hurts. It has to be more than
just head knowledge—it has to be heartfelt to be sincere. If we just forgive
with our head, it may be just turned off for a while…and then the resentment
and bitterness come back. Try it yourself. Think about something that you need
to forgive. Now say “I forgive___(that action).” Now take a deep breath and
forgive the same thing—only feel it in your heart. Forgive from your heart. Any
difference?
Sometimes
forgiveness takes a while. With our busy lives and noisy world we may need to
step aside, seek some alone time in order to deal with an issue. Take the time
to love yourself—forgive yourself. Then continue with Jesus’ instructions from
Mark 11 above. Forgive those—anyone—you have something against. Forgive from
your heart, expecting that that is how the Heavenly Father will forgive
you…from His heart.
Training Tip – Children learn what they live—what they see
happening before them. Forgive yourself and your attitude towards others will
change. Your children will note that. If they ask you, honestly tell them that
you’ve forgiven someone—or yourself—for something that happened to you. Now you
have a lighter heart and it is easier for a smile to come to your face. This
may open an opportunity for a discussion on bitterness and forgiveness.
Bitterness builds walls between us and God—and that is not a good thing. Keep
the bitterness away—forgive. Let the walls between you and God come down.
Lord – Help me to forgive myself and not to be so
critical of my thoughts, words, and actions—but to be kind to myself and
others.
Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table
Time
for some comfort food. We recently spent some time visiting Charleston, South
Carolina. Grits are big there—anytime of day. Breakfast, lunch, or supper. This
is one of the most versatile foods around. Can you imagine oatmeal or cream of
wheat being served anytime of day. I think not—but bring on the grits. As a
northern I’m not so familiar with grits, although they are available in
supermarkets across the country. Cook up a basic recipe of grits. For breakfast
add butter or coconut oil, and honey or syrup. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top to
add yet another dimension of flavor. For lunch, how about cheesy grits—it may
replace the kids’ favorite macaroni and cheese! For supper or any special
dinner, serve up some shrimp and grits in a creamy, cheesy or BBQ sauce.
Basic Grits – The traditional stone ground
grits, or hominy, rather than the instant variety will provide more flavor.
1 cup
coarsely ground grits
4 cups
water or 3 ½ cups milk
1 tsp
salt
Heat
the water or milk and salt to a boil, reduce heat and stir in grits. Cover and
simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The grits
will be creamier made with milk. Use this as a basic recipe for any grits dish.
Enjoy with a dab of butter or coconut oil on top for a simple side dish any
time of day.
Watch
for more grits recipes on the next two Fridays as we Feast at the King’s Table together. Savor His Words and good food
that He has provided for us.
What is
your favorite way to eat grits? Comment in the comment box below—provide your
recipe if you like. What is your favorite comfort food?
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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