Just Shut the Door

By Bobbi Bankard, or Daingerfield

Many of us of a certain age grew up when screen doors were mostly what kept everything out and wooden doors kept out the weather. We heard many times a day… “If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times – Shut the door when you come in.” An open door invited unwelcome guests into the house. Things that crawled, flew or crept in, including the dogs and cats. Therefore, keep the door closed. As a brief life observation in the realm of Christianity, there are so many who name the name of Christ who seemingly cannot or will not keep the door closed in their life to past hurts, wronging or experiences. The door is opened constantly and the past is revisited over and over. Wrongs are rehashed… “They said this, they did that, my children, husband or friend did me wrong” “I should have said this or done that.” It’s been five, ten, or twenty years and still these old thoughts, hurts and disappointments slither in as a result of bitterness, anger and unforgiveness; they creep in and cause great turmoil. Families cannot invite this member, when this other member comes… This church pew is where Mrs. So and So sits, so I cannot sit there. Don’t speak to him because he is not my friend, so if you do, that makes you not my friend. Do you know anyone like this? If we are all honest we have as Christians all struggled with the area of unforgiveness and letting go – Shutting the door to the past. This does not mean we just forget. It means we choose with God’s help for our own good to just put it outside our lives and forgive. Jesus, our example, forgave to the uttermost and admonished us to forgive. “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us.” Pray for your enemy. Your enemy may be those of your own household. Is it easy to forgive? Absolutely not! It is only by God’s grace and help that we can. You may have to literally grit your teeth and pray blessings on those that hurt you. But in doing so, something happens. You begin to see your flaws, hateful things you have said and done, human failures and in doing so, it becomes easier and easier to forgive others. To continue reading this article, purchase the December 31st edition of the Steel Country Bee, or go to our online e-edition at: http://www.etypeservices.com/Daingerfield%20BeeID312/default.aspx