To forgive or not?

Haiku of new beginnings

 

To forgive or not?

That, friend, is the conundrum:

Do you deserve it?

You say you’re sorry,

but the question remains: Will

you do it again?

Seventy seven?

Should I forgive that often?

He must be joking!

Another story,

of a man forgiven much,

who couldn’t forgive.

It is at the core

of Jesus’ teachings: Forgive,

as God forgives you.

Without forgiveness

there is only bitterness,

violence and death.

It’s that important,

forgiveness opens the way

to new beginnings.

© Ken Rookes 2020

Seventy-seven times.

Haiku for forgetting to keep score.

Peter came and asked:

How often must I forgive

my comrades in faith?

Would seven times do?

Not really, Jesus answered;

add seventy more.

Another story.

A king forgives a huge debt.

Well done, your highness!

The king shows pity,

his debtor is much relieved.

High fives all around!

Relieved and grateful,

the man will show like pity

to others, won’t he?

Quickly forgetting

the forgiveness he received,

he demands payment.

When you have known grace

how can you not live by grace?

Unbelievable!

We forgiven ones

are expected to forgive.

End of the story.

© Ken Rookes 2017