Matthew 18:15-17 King James Version (KJV)
15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Matthew 18:15-17 Revised Standard Version (RSV)
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
RKJ version
If we have a problem between us- let us listen to each other and open our hearts to each other that we may be friends.
If we cannot hear each other- lets us ask friends who can help us to do so, that we may know we are among friends and are not alone in our concerns for one another.
If we as a community cannot hear each other- let us seek help of the elders to guide us into unity.
May no one, in any circumstance feel alone, or be cast out without a friend.
As I was taught forgiveness, it is not just a moral guideline, it is a practically of life.
I weigh myself down when I insist on holding on to anger, judgement and blame.
When I choose to forgive, I can walk lighter and more cheerfully and kindly in the world.
There may be little I can do about other's choices and I still have the opportunity every minute to feel lighter and more loving as I forgive.
There are times, when inspite of my doing my best to listen, and forgive, I do have to cast a person out of my life, in the present moment. I can still pray that that will change. I can still forgive.
When I hold no enmity in my heart, I can have no enemies.
May all beings be happy
May all beings be peaceful
May all beings be safe
May all beings be well in body mind an spirt.
May all beings be free.
If we cannot hear each other- lets us ask friends who can help us to do so, that we may know we are among friends and are not alone in our concerns for one another.
If we as a community cannot hear each other- let us seek help of the elders to guide us into unity.
May no one, in any circumstance feel alone, or be cast out without a friend.
There are times, when inspite of my doing my best to listen, and forgive, I do have to cast a person out of my life, in the present moment. I can still pray that that will change. I can still forgive.
When I hold no enmity in my heart, I can have no enemies.
May all beings be happy
May all beings be peaceful
May all beings be safe
May all beings be well in body mind an spirt.
May all beings be free.
No comments:
Post a Comment