"Forgiveness is a promise, not a feeling.  

When you forgive someone,

you are making a promise

never to use the past against them."

                           - Anonymous 

  

Friends, this month, as we continue our Sunday explorations of Unitarian Universalism's 4th source  - "Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves" - my heart turns toward the concept of forgiveness.  Having "neighbors", whether we define that as those in proximity to us or humanity as a whole, means that sometimes we are hurt by each other.  Intentionally or unintentionally, our human imperfection means we misstep with each other; and missteps sometimes require forgiveness.

  

I had a powerful experience around forgiveness this week - giving and receiving forgiveness - and it made me aware that in our imperfect human relations, forgiveness is essential. Forgiveness doesn't erase the past, but it immeasurably broadens the future. 

As we honor our 4th UU source, take some time to consider whether there is anyone who would be blessed if you offered forgiveness or whether there is anyone from who you might want to ask forgiveness.  It is a hard thing to do, but the liberation that comes from being sincerely heard, from speaking our truth and being accepted is powerful.  In human community, with all its messiness and imperfection, forgiveness is a vital practice of our 4th source. 

In Blessing - 

Rabbi Chava 

P.S.  I am so excited to meet with the Program Council this Sunday following the service!