Forgivessness to yourself or others...

"I didn't do that." "It wasn't me." "Oh, my dog ate my homework."
Okay, these are the "small white lies," but they are still lies. What do you do when someone lies to you about small or big things?  We are given instructions as to what to do and why we should do it.

"So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. "
Matthew 5:23-24
God wants us to be reconciled with one another, but the simple thing of a lie can cause us to be seperated, drive us away from one another.  It is best to first go to your brother or sister and say "I've recognized I've done something wrong" and then admit your hurtful thought, word or deed. You will be amazed at the results of such a simple action like this. Sometimes that person doesn't even know you've been offended by them.
God loves us so much that he sent his son to die on the cross so that we would be reconciled with him in heaven.
If you can't apologize because of distance or circumstances, remember it is for your own sake that you choose to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
Mark 11:26
"But if you don't forgive other people, then your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins."
Place a chair in the middle of the room and pretend the person is sitting there. Next, tell them exactly how you are choosing to forgive them for what they did or did not do. If you need a friend there to help, call on one. If you think it sounds strange, that's okay. I can tell you from personal experience, you will feel much better after you forgive or ask for forgiveness.
Is it easy? NO! Is it worth it? YES!
You become reconciled with yourself, others and God.
Just think about this, God, the creator of the universe; the Alpha and Omega only wants to be loved by you and for him to love on you. WOW! Isn't that amazing!
It took time to believe that someone really loved me, it took a lot of tears to release the hurt that others have placed on me or I put on myself. Once I forgave them or myself, I felt so much better. Sometimes I had to forgive more than one time for the same offense. Please know, that is alright too.
The one thing to remember is this, when you forgive it's not saying you forget, it means you are letting that person off of your hook and you are beginning to be a better person.

May today you find peace with someone, even if it's yourself.

~Marjorie